Effects of Landscape Characteristics on Genetic Structure and Gene Flow of Camellia chekiangiana at Laohunao Nature Reserve
Understanding how landscape features influence gene flow in natural populations is a central goal of landscape genetics. In this study, we evaluated the status of multiple populations of Camellia chekiangoleosa-a provincially protected plant in Jiangxi Province with significant ecological and economic value-in the Laohunao Nature Reserve. We then performed a analysis of their genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure to inform the development of science-based conservation strategies. The findings indicated that the genetic diversity of C. chekiangoleosa was on par with that of the majority of other species within the genus. Sub-populations exhibit a certain degree of genetic differentiation (FST=0.065). The application of STRUCTURE and principal component analysis (PCA) unveiled a distinct pattern of geographical clustering across the 9 sub-populations. Multiple matrix regression with randomization (MMRR) revealed that both environmental isolation and geographical isolation have wielded a pronounced impact on genetic distance. The MEMGENE analysis further discerned spatial genetic structure, which was influenced by the ridges and valleys that demarcate Mount Ruozhushan (RZS), Mount Zhushan (ZS), and Mount Shitoushan (STS). Mountain ridges exerted a more pronounced influence on genetic differentiation compared to valleys. In summary, this study underscores that topographic features play a pivotal role in shaping the spatial genetic structure of C. chekiangoleosa.