Genetic status of Oreochromis mossambicus populations as revealed by microsatellite DNA markers

Abstract

Genetic diversity is considered to be necessary for the long-term survival of species as it enables environmental adaptations to increase a species' or population's chances of survival, but it is being threatened by several environmental changes and anthropological interventions. Five microsatellite markers were employed to analyze the genetic diversity of Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique Tilapia) from River Jhelum. Average values of allelic number (Na) and allelic richness (Ar) ranged from 2.40 to 3.60. The average observed (HO) and expected heterozygosity (He) values ranged from 0.55 to 0.69 and 0.54 to 0.67, respectively. The inbreeding coefficient FIS values showed the highest level of inbreeding in Rasool Barrage and lowest in Pind Dadan Khan. Significant departure from HWE was observed in 3 out of 25 tests. The AMOVA specified that majority of variation (87.050%) was attributed to “within individuals”. UPGMA dendrogram revealed that PDK, RB, MD and JB populations were highly related, while THW appeared to differ significantly from other populations. The findings of this research will be helpful for the management of the concerned populations to maintain their genetic quality in in Pakistan.