Genetic Diversity on a Rare Terrestrial Orchid, Habenaria linearifolia in South Korea: Implications for Conservation Offered by Genome-Wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Abstract

Monitoring intraspecific diversity offers invaluable insights on conservation practices as the variation is the product of species evolution. Accordingly, the role of population genetic diversity has drawn great attention over the last century responding to the biodiversity loss induced by a series of anthropogenic changes. Orchids are one of the most diverse, yet ironically most rapidly disappearing plant groups due to the specialized habitat preferences. Thus, population-level genetic diversity studies may offer a powerful tool for orchid conservation programs. Using the 3 restriction site-associated DNA (3RAD) approach, 2,734 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were isolated. With the 2,734 SNPs, we investigated genetic diversity and population structure on 72 individuals of Habenaria linearifolia and Habenaria cruciformis in South Korea. Overall, the genetic diversity was well maintained in South Korean Habenaria, but high FST values were estimated suggesting large population diversification with limited gene flow. Bayesian assignment analysis revealed a morphologically cryptic diversity pattern in Jeju Island populations, which might serve as an evolutionarily significant unit.

Genetic diversity and structure in two epiphytic orchids from the montane forests of southern Ecuador: The role of overcollection on Masdevallia rosea in comparison with the widespread Pleurothallis lilijae

“…Likewise, the threatened Cypripedium japonicum [37], Laelia rubescens [38], Laelia speciosa [39], Brassavola nodosa [40] or Neofinetia falcata [41] species also show low genetic diversity values [42]. Epiphytic orchids studied here also show low patterns of genetic diversity, namely M. rosea (Table 1).…”

The Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure of the Germplasm Resources of the Medicinal Orchid Plant Habenaria dentata

“…The denser the vegetation, the shorter the seed propagation distance, and the more limited the gene exchange between populations [ 41 ]. For instance, Lee et al [ 42 ] studied Habenaria linearifolia and found that it is mainly located on a plateau that is surrounded by dense tall grasses. This growth environment limits seed dispersal and thus hinders gene exchange.…”