Clonal and fine-scale genetic structure in populations of a restricted Korean endemic, Hosta jonesii (Liliaceae) and the implications for conservation.
OBJECTIVE
In plant populations the magnitude of spatial genetic structure of apparent individuals (including clonal ramets) can be different from that of sexual individuals (genets). Thus, distinguishing the effects of clonal versus sexual individuals in population genetic analyses could provide important insights for evolutionary biology and conservation. To investigate the effects of clonal spread on the fine-scale spatial genetic structure within plant populations, Hosta jonesii (Liliaceae), an endemic species to Korea, was chosen as a study species.


METHODS
Using allozymes as genetic markers, spatial autocorrelation analysis of ramets and of genets was conducted to quantify the spatial scale of clonal spread and genotype distribution in two populations of H. jonesii.


RESULTS
Join-count statistics revealed that most clones are significantly aggregated at < 3-m interplant distance. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of all individuals resulted in significantly higher Moran's I values at 0-3-m interplant distance than analyses of population samples in which clones were excluded. However, significant fine-scale genetic structure was still observed when clones were excluded.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that clones enhance the magnitude of spatial autocorrelation due to localized clonal spread. The significant fine-scale genetic structure detected in samples excluding clones is consistent with the biological and ecological traits exhibited by H. jonesii including bee pollination and limited seed dispersal. For conservation purposes, genetic diversity would be maximized in local populations of H. jonesii by collecting or preserving individuals that are spaced at least 5 m apart.
Chung
Mi Yoon
MY
Department of Biology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea.
Suh
Youngbae
Y
López-Pujol
Jordi
J
Nason
John D
JD
Chung
Myong Gi
MG
D000483:Alleles; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005819:Genetic Markers; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D005838:Genotype; D005843:Geography; D031422:Hosta / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D007723:Korea
D005819:Genetic Markers