Genetic variation and population structure in Chinese water pine (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Glyptostrobus pensilis</i>): A threatened species

Abstract

The Chinese water pine (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Glyptostrobus pensilis</i>) (<span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic">Family:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> Cupressaceae</i>) is an ancient conifer found in low lying wet areas at ~550-700 m above sea level in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam and is currently listed as globally endangered. The species has been threatened in recent centuries because of the reduction and disturbance of native habitats. In the present study, chloroplast microsatellite markers (cpSSRs) were used to investigate genetic variation within and between populations of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">G. pensilis</i> in Dak Lak. Six primer pairs were selected to assess genetic variation at the population and species levels. Of the 6 loci studied, 14 alleles were found in 134 individuals from two populations (9 allen at TrapK’sor and 12 at EaRal). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">G. pensilis</i> had a low level of genetic diversity (Ho=0.076; He=0.087) and low genetic differentiation (Fst=0.110) between the populations, indicating the high gene flow. Some factors that contribute to a reduction of low genetic diversities and the priorities for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">G. pensilis</i> were discussed.

</span>