Population genetic structure of Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae), an endangered endemic species of eastern China.
OBJECTIVE
Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae) standing for the monotypic genus is endemic to eastern China. Its conservation status is vulnerable as most populations are small and isolated. Monimopetalum chinense is capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually. The aim of this study was to understand the genetic structure of M. chinense and to suggest conservation strategies.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety individuals from ten populations sampled from the entire distribution area of M. chinense were investigated by using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR).


RESULTS
A total of 110 different ISSR bands were generated using ten primers. Low levels of genetic variation were revealed both at the species level (Isp=0.183) and at the population level (Ipop=0.083). High clonal diversity (D = 0.997) was found, and strong genetic differentiation among populations was detected (49.06 %).


CONCLUSIONS
Small population size, possible inbreeding, limited gene flow due to short distances of seed dispersal, fragmentation of the once continuous range and subsequent genetic drift, may have contributed to shaping the population genetic structure of the species.
Xie
Guo-Wen
GW
School of Biology and Chemistry Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510405, PR China.
Wang
De-Lian
DL
Yuan
Yong-Ming
YM
Ge
Xue-Jun
XJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D029753:Celastraceae / Q000235:genetics*; D002681:China; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D005843:Geography