Genetic Variation and Hybridisation among Eight Species of kōwhai (Sophora: Fabaceae) from New Zealand Revealed by Microsatellite Markers

Heenan, P. B.; Mitchell, Caroline; Houliston, Gary J.

doi:10.3390/genes9020111

Cited by 12 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…alopecuroides , which provided a relative full assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of this species for the first time at population level. Compared with other species in the genus Sophora [42, 43], such as S . fulvida (H o = 0.44, H e = 0.60), S .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The genetic diversity and population structure of Sophora alopecuroides (Faboideae) as determined by microsatellite markers developed from transcriptome

Yuan

Zhou

et al. 2019

PLoS ONE

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Sophora alopecuroides (Faboideae) is an endemic species, mainly distributed in northwest China. However, the limited molecular markers range for this species hinders breeding and genetic studies. A total of 20,324 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified from 118,197 assembled transcripts and 18 highly polymorphic SSR markers were used to explore the genetic diversity and population structure of S. alopecuroides from 23 different geographical populations. A relatively low genetic diversity was found in S. alopecuroides based on mean values of the number of effective alleles (Ne = 1.81), expected heterozygosity (He = 0.39) and observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.55). The results of AMOVA indicated higher levels of variation within populations than between populations. Bayesian-based cluster analysis, principal coordinates analysis and Neighbor-Joining phylogeny analysis roughly divided all genotypes into four major groups with some admixtures. Meanwhile, geographic barriers would have restricted gene flow between the northern and southern regions (separated by Tianshan Mountains), wherein the two relatively ancestral and independent clusters of S. alopecuroides occur. History trade and migration along the Silk Road would together have promoted the spread of S. alopecuroides from the western to the eastern regions of the northwest plateau in China, resulting in the current genetic diversity and population structure. The transcriptomic SSR markers provide a valuable resource for understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of S. alopecuroides, and will assist effective conservation management.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The genetic diversity and population structure of Sophora alopecuroides (Faboideae) as determined by microsatellite markers developed from transcriptome

Yuan

Zhou

et al. 2019

PLoS ONE

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“…However, McGlone and Wood (2019, p. 2) identified seeds from the Gibraltar Rock shelter as S. prostata (Buchanan, 1884), stating that they were "sufficiently distinctive that we can be confident" that the species was present. S. prostata is currently unknown in the study area, and there are no records south of the Waitaki River (i.e., within 100 km of the area, Heenan et al, 2018), although it is conceivable that its absence from the southern end of New Zealand might be attributed to removal by a late Holocene fire. McGlone and Wood (2019) did not expand on how seeds of S. prostata and S. microphylla could be distinguished, but the leaflets of S. prostata reach about 4 mm long (Breitweieser et al, 2010), while those of S. microphylla range from about 4.5-12.5 mm long.…”

Section: Systematics Of Dried Vegetationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A vanished ecosystem: Sophora microphylla (Kōwhai) dominated forest recorded in mid-late Holocene rock shelters in Central Otago, New Zealand

Pole¹

2022

Palaeontol Electron

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When European settlers first arrived in Central Otago, New Zealand, in the 1850s, they found much of the region to be semi-arid, rocky, and treeless -at least partly due to fires after the arrival of Polynesians in the late thirteenth century or early fourteenth century. The condition of the vegetation rapidly deteriorated with the European introduction of grazing mammals (including sheep and rabbits), leading to a situation now, where it is difficult to understand what the 'original' vegetation was. However, rock overhangs (termed 'shelters' in this paper) accumulated dried vegetation in the prehuman mid-late Holocene. Much of this material appears to have been transported into the shelters as roosting material by the extinct giant moa birds. This record of dried vegetation, and sometimes the coprolites scattered through it, is therefore an important source of information about the pre-human vegetation, as well as the diet of the moa.The present study analyses samples of mid-late Holocene dried leaf material from 115 rock shelters, identifying the taxa on the basis of epidermal details of the leaf cuticle. Based on it being the only large tree in the area now, and the nearly ubiquitous presence of its leaves in the shelters, the most important plant in the area is considered to have been Sophora microphylla. Based on the size of old, relict, 'champion', trees in the area now, it likely formed a forest with a continuous, but low (perhaps 14 m) and open canopy over the study area. Other trees which were present and are entirely absent (or almost so) from the area now include Pittosporum tenuifolium and Pseudopanax ferox. They suggest more closed canopy forest, perhaps in more localized areas, but were subordinate to Sophora. However, other common plants included Carmichaelia, Rubus, and Hebe lycopodioides that are more suggestive of lower, open vegetation. There is no indication of a conifer component or of 'wetter' forest trees such as Nothofagus and Griselinia.Cuticle within the largest associated coprolites indicate that moa (Aves, Dinornithiformes) was ingesting a similar range of plants as the shelter material. Of particular interest is that moa clearly ate Sophora microphylla, the first evidence for this. Together these data suggest a Central Otago ecosystem where a low Sophora microphylla forest predominated and was utilized and perhaps maintained by moa.

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“…Hybridisation and introgression occurred naturally before human disturbance, with bird pollinators such as tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) or bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) facilitating hybridisation between sympatric species (Heenan et al 2018). However, with the widespread planting of nonregional kōwhai and the disturbance of native habitats and landscapes, hybrids have been able to colonise new ranges and outcompete non-hybrid kōwhai populations in these novel habitats (Heenan et al 2018). Hybridised kōwhai plants are a threat to natural (non-hybrid) kōwhai populations, especially to species with a limited natural range (i.e.…”

Section: Establishment and Threatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of kowhai (Sophora spp.) and its potential for commercial forestry

Nguyen

Bayne

Altaner

2021

NZJFS

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Background: Demand for imported sawn timbers in New Zealand has increased over the last decade, reflecting the lack of New Zealand-grown, naturally durable timber in the domestic market. Therefore, a market opportunity exists for sustainably grown, naturally durable timbers in New Zealand for specialty applications. Kowhai (Sophora spp.) are New Zealand native tree species, known for their bright, yellow flowers and reported to produce coloured, naturally durable heartwood.Methods: Information on kowhai was collated from literature, focusing on their potential for commercial forestry. The taxonomic relationships, species descriptions, establishment, and growth rates of kowhai were examined, along with timber properties and historical uses, as well as medicinal applications. The review identified potential market opportunities for kowhai and key areas for further research.Results: Kowhai refers to eight different Sophora species that are endemic to New Zealand. Kowhai is easily established and the different species hybridise readily. While growth and form of kowhai varies with species, site, and management, examples of straight single-stemmed trees and annual diameter increments exceeding 20 mm have been found. Kowhai timber properties might be comparable to those of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.). Kowhai contains alkaloids, a class of compounds used in pharmaceutical applications. The species have been used for timber and traditional medicine by Maori in the past, while European settlers used kowhai for their durable and flexible timber.Conclusions: Kowhai could be established as a sustainable, domestic source of high-quality timber and substitute imported specialty timbers in New Zealand on account of their natural durability, strength, stiffness, colour, and density properties. The residues could support a secondary industry, as a source of alkaloids for pharmaceutical applications or natural dyes. Key areas that require further study include growth rates and silviculture, mechanical timber properties, machining/processing characteristics, natural durability and cytisine levels in kowhai, as well as the cultural, economic, and ecological framework required for a commercial kowhai forestry industry. Lack of literature on, and expertise in the use of native timbers in general are barriers to promoting native species for commercial forestry in New Zealand.

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Genetic Variation and Hybridisation among Eight Species of kōwhai (Sophora: Fabaceae) from New Zealand Revealed by Microsatellite Markers

Cited by 12 publications

References 30 publications

The genetic diversity and population structure of Sophora alopecuroides (Faboideae) as determined by microsatellite markers developed from transcriptome

The genetic diversity and population structure of Sophora alopecuroides (Faboideae) as determined by microsatellite markers developed from transcriptome

A vanished ecosystem: Sophora microphylla (Kōwhai) dominated forest recorded in mid-late Holocene rock shelters in Central Otago, New Zealand

A review of kowhai (Sophora spp.) and its potential for commercial forestry

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