Patterns of genetic variation in Gymnadenia conopsea, the fragrant orchid

Seed dispersal and realized gene flow of two forest orchids in a fragmented landscape

Species with vast production of dust-like windborne seeds, such as orchids, should not be limited by seed dispersal. This paradigm, however, does not fit recent studies showing that many sites suitable for orchids are unoccupied and most seeds land close to their maternal plant. To explore this issue, we studied seed dispersal and gene flow of two forest orchid species, Epipactis atrorubens and Cephalanthera rubra, growing in a fragmented landscape of forested limestone hills in southwest Bohemia, Czech Republic. We used a combination of seed trapping and plant genotyping methods (microsatellite DNA markers) to quantify short- and long-distance dispersal, respectively. In addition, seed production of both species was estimated. We found that most seeds landed very close to maternal plants (95% of captured seeds were within 7.2 m) in both species, and dispersal distance was influenced by forest type in E. atrorubens. In addition, C. rubra showed clonal reproduction (20% of plants were of clonal origin) and very low fruiting success (only 1.6% of plants were fruiting) in comparison with E. atrorubens (25.7%). Gene flow was frequent up to 2 km in C. rubra and up to 125 km in E. atrorubens, and we detected a relatively high dispersal rate among regions in both species. Although both species occupy similar habitats and have similar seed dispersal abilities, C. rubra is notably rarer in the study area. Considerably low fruiting success in this species likely limits its gene flow to longer distances and designates it more sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing supports a sister group relationship of Nigritella and Gymnadenia (Orchidaceae)

The orchid genus Nigritella is closely related to Gymnadenia and has from time to time been merged with the latter. Although Nigritella is morphologically distinct, it has been suggested that the separating characters are easily modifiable and subject to rapid evolutionary change. So far, molecular phylogenetic studies have either given support for the inclusion of Nigritella in Gymnadenia, or for their separation as different genera. To resolve this issue, we analysed data obtained from Restriction-site associated DNA sequencing, RADseq, which provides a large number of SNPs distributed across the entire genome. To analyse samples of different ploidies, we take an analytical approach of building a reduced genomic reference based on de novo RADseq loci reconstructed from diploid accessions only, which we further use to map and call variants across both diploid and polyploid accessions. We found that Nigritella is distinct from Gymnadenia forming a well-supported separate clade, and that genetic diversity within Gymnadenia is high. Within Gymnadenia, taxa characterized by an ITS-E ribotype (G. conopsea s.str. (early flowering) and G. odoratissima), are divergent from taxa characterized by ITS-L ribotype (G. frivaldii, G. densiflora and late flowering G. conopsea). Gymnigritella runei is confirmed to have an allopolyploid origin from diploid Gymnadenia conopsea and tetraploid N. nigra ssp. nigra on the basis of RADseq data. Within Nigritella the aggregation of polyploid members into three clear-cut groups as suggested by allozyme and nuclear microsatellite data was further supported.

Characterization of microsatellite primers in the endangered orchid Phaius australis and cross-amplification to P. bernaysii (Orchidaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

The swamp orchid, Phaius australis (Orchidaceae), is nationally endangered due to illegal collection and habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in a disjunct distribution in spring and coastal wetland ecotones along Australia's east coast. Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed to study genetic diversity and population structure for conservation and restoration purposes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing was used to develop 15 nuclear microsatellite markers, including 10 polymorphic markers for P. australis. Polymorphism at each marker was evaluated using 90 individuals from four natural populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to three, and the observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.036 to 0.944 and from 0.035 to 0.611, respectively. These markers transferred successfully to congener P. bernaysii.

CONCLUSIONS

The microsatellite markers will be useful for revealing levels of genetic diversity and gene flow for P. australis and may inform future conservation efforts.

Genetic structure of a regionally endangered orchid, the dark red helleborine (Epipactis atrorubens) at the edge of its distribution

The genetic structure and diversity of species is determined by both current population dynamics and historical processes. Population genetic structure at the edge of the distribution is often expected to differ substantially from populations at the centre, as these edge populations are often small and fragmented. In addition, populations located in regions that have experienced repeated glaciations throughout the Pleistocene, may still carry imprints from the genetic consequences of frequent distribution shifts. Using chloroplast DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers we studied the genetic structure of Epipactis atrorubens at the northern edge of its distribution. Contrary to populations in the centre of the distribution, populations at the northern range are regionally endangered as they are small and disjunct. Sequence data of 2 chloroplast loci and allelic data from 6 nuclear microsatellite markers were obtained from 297 samples from Finland, Estonia and Russia. We sought for genetic indicators of past population processes, such as post-glacial colonisation history of E. atrorubens. As expected, we observed low genetic variation, in terms of numbers of substitutions, haplotypes and alleles, and significant levels of differentiation, especially pronounced in the chloroplast DNA. These features suggest that the edge populations could be prone to extinction.

Reproductive patterns, genetic diversity and inbreeding depression in two closely related Jumellea species with contrasting patterns of commonness and distribution

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

Theory predicts that the long-term persistence of plant populations exposed to size reduction can be threatened by a loss of genetic diversity and increased inbreeding. However, several life-history and ecological traits can influence the response to population size reduction. The reproductive patterns, levels of genetic diversity and magnitude of inbreeding depression of the rare and fragmented Jumellea fragrans and of its widespread congener J. rossii were studied. The aim was to evaluate the effects of over-collection and fragmentation on J. fragrans and to enhance our knowledge of the biology and ecology of the two species, used for their aromatic and medicinal properties on Réunion.

METHODS

Hand pollination experiments were conducted to determine the breeding system and to evaluate the potential for inbreeding depression in both species. Nuclear microsatellite markers were used to investigate selfing rates and levels of genetic diversity.

KEY RESULTS

Jumellea rossii revealed a mixed-mating system, and inbreeding depression at the germination stage (δ = 0·66). Levels of genetic diversity were relatively high [allelic richness (AR) = 8·575 and expected heterozygosity (He) = 0·673]. In J. fragrans, selfing rates suggest a mainly outcrossing mating system. Genetic diversity was lower than in J. rossii, but not yet critically low (AR = 4·983 and He = 0·492), probably because of the mainly outcrossing mating system and the relatively high density of individuals in the studied population. Jumellea fragrans did not show inbreeding depression, and it is hypothesized that the population had progressively purged its genetic load during successive fragmentation events.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if the persistence of the J. fragrans population is not threatened in the short term, its genetic diversity has probably been reduced by fragmentation and over-collection. In situ conservation actions for J. fragrans and ex situ cultivation of both species are recommended in order to meet the demand of local people.

Floral isolation is the major reproductive barrier between a pair of rewarding orchid sister species

The crucial role of reproductive isolation in speciation has long been recognized; however, a limited number of studies quantify different isolation barriers and embed reproductive isolation in a phylogenetic context. In this study, we investigate reproductive isolation between the often sympatrically occurring orchid species, Gymnadenia conopsea and G. odoratissima. We examine the phylogenetic relationship between the two species and analyse floral isolation, fruit set and seed viability from interspecies crosses, as well as the ploidy level. Additionally, we quantify interspecies differences in floral signals and morphology. The results suggest that the two species have a sister-species relationship. In terms of reproductive isolation, we found complete floral isolation between the two species, but little to no post-pollination isolation; the species also mostly had the same ploidy level in the studied populations. We also show clear distinctions in floral signals, as well as in floral size and spur length. We propose that respective adaptation to short- vs. long-tongued pollinators was the driver of speciation in the here studied Gymnadenia species. Our study supports the key role of floral isolation in orchid speciation and shows that floral isolation is not restricted to highly specialized pollination systems, but can also occur between species with less specialized pollination.

Remarkable coexistence of multiple cytotypes of the Gymnadenia conopsea aggregate (the fragrant orchid): evidence from flow cytometry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

One of the prerequisites for polyploid research in natural systems is knowledge of the geographical distribution of cytotypes. Here inter- and intrapopulational ploidy diversity was examined in the Gymnadenia conopsea aggregate in central Europe and potential explanations and evolutionary consequences of the observed spatial patterns investigated.

METHODS

DAPI flow cytometry supplemented by confirmatory chromosome counts was used to determine ploidy in 3581 samples of the G. conopsea aggregate from 43 populations. The fine-scale spatial pattern of cytotype distribution (intra- and interploidy associations) was analysed with univariate and bivariate K-functions.

KEY RESULTS

Gymnadenia tissues undergo a progressively partial endoreplication, which accounts for about 60 % and 75 % of the total genome in G. conopsea and G. densiflora, respectively. Flow cytometric profiles are therefore species-specific and can be used as a marker for rapid and reliable species recognition. Two majority (4x, 8x) and three minority (6x, 10x, 12x) cytotypes were found, often in mixed-ploidy populations (harbouring up to all five different ploidy levels). The scarcity of the minority cytotypes (about 2·7 %) suggests the existence of strong pre- or postzygotic mating barriers. Spatial structure was observed in plots of populations with the highest cytotype variation, including clumping of individuals of the same ploidy and negative association between tetra- and octoploids.

CONCLUSIONS

The remarkable ploidy coexistence in the G. conopsea aggregate has reshaped our perception of intrapopulational ploidy diversity under natural conditions. This system offers unique opportunities for studying processes governing the formation and establishment of polyploids and assessing the evolutionary significance of the various pre- and postzygotic mating barriers that maintain this ploidy mixture.

Genetic diversity of the endangered and narrow endemic Piperia yadonii (Orchidaceae) assessed with ISSR polymorphisms

Highly endangered plants that are also narrow endemics are generally found to be genetically depauperate and thus are exceedingly susceptible to ecological and anthropological threats that can lead to their extinction. Piperia yadonii is restricted to a single California county within a biodiversity hotspot. We used nine primers to generate intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) data to assess its genetic diversity and structure. Within each population, 99% of the loci were polymorphic, expected heterozygosity was low, and a majority of the loci were shared with few other populations. Forty percent of the total variation could be attributed to population differentiation while the rest (60%) resides within populations, and the genetic distances between populations were independent of the corresponding geographical distances. High divergence among populations is likely due to fragmentation and limited gene flow. Each population contains several private loci, and ideally, each should be protected to preserve the overall diversity of the species. Because P. yadonii currently retains a modest amount of genetic variation among individuals within populations, preserving and expanding the habitat at each site to allow natural expansion of populations would be additional strategies for its conservation before populations become too small to persist naturally.

Terrestrial orchid conservation in the age of extinction

BACKGROUND

Conservation through reserves alone is now considered unlikely to achieve protection of plant species necessary to mitigate direct losses of habitat and the pervasive impact of global climate change. Assisted translocation/migration represent new challenges in the face of climate change; species, particularly orchids, will need artificial assistance to migrate from hostile environments, across ecological barriers (alienated lands such as farmlands and built infrastructure) to new climatically buffered sites. The technology and science to underpin assisted migration concepts are in their infancy for plants in general, and orchids, with their high degree of rarity, represent a particularly challenging group for which these principles need to be developed. It is likely that orchids, more than any other plant family, will be in the front-line of species to suffer large-scale extinction events as a result of climate change.

SCOPE

The South West Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) is the only global biodiversity hotspot in Australia and represents an ideal test-bed for development of orchid conservation principles. Orchids comprise 6 % of all threatened vascular plants in the SWAFR, with 76 out of the 407 species known for the region having a high level of conservation risk. The situation in the SWAFR is a portent of the global crisis in terrestrial orchid conservation, and it is a region where innovative conservation solutions will be required if the impending wave of extinction is to be averted. Major threatening processes are varied, and include land clearance, salinity, burning, weed encroachment, disease and pests. This is compounded by highly specialized pollinators (locally endemic native invertebrates) and, in the most threatened groups such as hammer orchids (Drakaea) and spider orchids (Caladenia), high levels of mycorrhizal specialization. Management and development of effective conservation strategies for SWAFR orchids require a wide range of integrated scientific approaches to mitigate impacts that directly influence ecological traits critical for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In response to threats to orchid species, integrated conservation approaches have been adopted (including ex situ and translocation principles) in the SWAFR with the result that a significant, multidisciplinary approach is under development to facilitate conservation of some of the most threatened taxa and build expertise to carry out assisted migration to new sites. Here the past two decades of orchid conservation research in the SWAFR and the role of research-based approaches for managing effective orchid conservation in a global biodiversity hotspot are reviewed.

Fungi from the roots of the common terrestrial orchid Gymnadenia conopsea

The fungal community associated with the terrestrial photosynthetic orchid Gymnadenia conopsea was characterized through PCR-amplification directly from root extracted DNA and cloning of the PCR products. Six populations in two geographically distinct regions in Germany were investigated. New ITS-primers amplifying a wide taxonomic range including Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes revealed a high taxonomic and ecological diversity of fungal associates, including typical orchid mycorrhizas of the Tulasnellaceae and Ceratobasidiaceae as well as several ectomycorrhizal taxa of the Pezizales. The wide spectrum of potential mycorrhizal partners may contribute to this orchid's ability to colonize different habitat types with their characteristic microbial communities. The fungal community of G. conopsea showed a clear spatial structure. With 43 % shared taxa the species composition of the two regions showed only little overlap. Regardless of regions, populations were highly variable concerning taxon richness, varying between 5 and 14 taxa per population. The spatial structure and the continuous presence of mycorrhizal taxa on the one hand and the low specificity towards certain fungal taxa on the other hand suggest that the fungal community associated with G. conopsea is determined by multiple factors. In this context, germination as well as pronounced morphological and genetic differentiation within G. conopsea deserve attention as potential factors affecting the composition of the fungal community.

Susceptibility of common and rare plant species to the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation

Small plant populations are more prone to extinction due to the loss of genetic variation through random genetic drift, increased selfing, and mating among related individuals. To date, most researchers dealing with genetic erosion in fragmented plant populations have focused on threatened or rare species. We raise the question whether common plant species are as susceptible to habitat fragmentation as rare species. We conducted a formal meta-analysis of habitat fragmentation studies that reported both population size and population genetic diversity. We estimated the overall weighted mean and variance of the correlation coefficients among four different measures of genetic diversity and plant population size. We then tested whether rarity, mating system, and plant longevity are potential moderators of the relationship between population size and genetic diversity. Mean gene diversity, percent polymorphic loci, and allelic richness across studies were positively and highly significantly correlated with population size, whereas no significant relationship was found between population size and the inbreeding coefficient. Genetic diversity of self-compatible species was less affected by decreasing population size than that of obligate outcrossing and self-compatible but mainly outcrossing species. Longevity did not affect the population genetic response to fragmentation. Our most important finding, however, was that common species were as, or more, susceptible to the population genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation than rare species, even when historically or naturally rare species were excluded from the analysis. These results are dramatic in that many more plant species than previously assumed may be vulnerable to genetic erosion and loss of genetic diversity as a result of ongoing fragmentation processes. This implies that many fragmented habitats have become unable to support plant populations that are large enough to maintain a mutation-drift balance and that occupied habitat fragments have become too isolated to allow sufficient gene flow to enable replenishment of lost alleles.

Conservation genetics of an endemic and endangered epiphytic Laelia speciosa (Orchidaceae)

We used isozymes (16 loci in 11 enzymatic systems) from Laelia speciosa, an endemic and endangered epiphytic orchid of Mexico, to assess the genetic diversity and population genetic structure in nine populations distributed along its geographic range, as well as to detect those populations that are genetically unique and therefore deserve high-priority protection. On average, the genetic diversity was high (percentage of polymorphic loci, P(p) = 76%, mean number of alleles per locus, A = 3.34, the average observed heterozygosity H(O) = 0.302, the average expected heterozygosity H(E) = 0.382). Moderate levels of inbreeding ( f = 0.216, 95% confidence interval = 0.029-0.381) were found. Low levels of genetic differentiation were observed among populations ((p) = 0.040); however, there was a significant correlation between geographic and genetic distances among the populations (Mantel test: r(2) = 0.43, P < 0.05). Populations located within the same mountain range were genetically more similar. Private alleles were found, so proper management requires protection and maintenance of genetic diversity throughout its range. In case of reintroduction, we suggest using individuals propagated from seeds from as many capsules as possible, from close populations. An ex situ conservation strategy also is proposed.

Genetic diversity and population structure of an insular tree, Santalum austrocaledonicum in New Caledonian archipelago

We present a study of the genetic diversity and structure of a tropical tree in an insular system. Santalum austrocaledonicum is endemic to the archipelago of New Caledonia and is exploited for oil extraction from heartwood. A total of 431 individuals over 17 populations were analysed for eight polymorphic microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 33 and the observed heterozygosity per population ranged from 0.01 in Mare to 0.74 in Ile des Pins. The genetic diversity was lowest in the most recent islands, the Loyautes, and highest in the oldest island, Grande Terre, as well as the nearby small Ile des Pins. Significant departures from panmixia were observed for some loci-population combinations (per population FIS = 0-0.03 on Grande-Terre and Ile des Pins, and 0-0.67 on Loyautes). A strong genetic differentiation among all islands was observed (FST = 0.22), and the amount of differentiation increased with geographic distance in Iles Loyaute and in Grande Terre. At both population and island levels, island age and isolation seem to be the main factors influencing the amount of genetic diversity. In particular, populations from recent islands had large average FIS that could not be entirely explained by null alleles or a Wahlund effect. This result suggests that, at least in some populations, selfing occurred extensively. Conclusively, our results indicate a strong influence of insularity on the genetic diversity and structure of Santalum austrocaledonicum.

Reproductive Versus Floral Isolation Among Morphologically Similar Serapias L. Species (Orchidaceae)

Flowers of the Mediterranean orchid genus Serapias L. form small, dark tubes that vary among taxa in diameter and depth. Visiting insects use the floral tube as shelter and act as pollinators if they touch the sticky viscidium at the rear of the tube and remove the pollinarium. It has been assumed that floral tube size and shape limit access to the flowers and thus may act as a barrier to gene flow between different Serapias species. Here we investigated floral characters and nuclear microsatellite markers in populations belonging to three morphologically similar Serapias species to test whether these species show evidence for floral or reproductive isolation. We found strong overlap of floral traits between two species, suggesting that floral isolation is nonexistent between them. Microsatellite markers applied to the same populations were highly polymorphic and revealed clear genetic differentiation among all three species. These results suggest that reproductive isolation exists, despite the lack of floral isolation between two of the species. In contrast to morphological characters, diagnostic microsatellite alleles were found for all Serapias species. The microsatellite markers could thus provide a useful tool to identify Serapias species and further investigate evolutionary relationships in this fascinating orchid lineage.

Population genetic structure in European populations of Spiranthes romanzoffiana set in the context of other genetic studies on orchids

Spiranthes romanzoffiana Cham. is restricted in Europe to the British Isles, where it is recognised as a conservation priority species due to frequent extirpation of populations along with no evidence of seed set; vegetative reproduction has been invoked as the sole means of perpetuation and dispersal. To investigate the reproductive ecology of this species, 17 populations have been sampled for chloroplast microsatellites and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). These markers revealed a previously unsuspected genetic-geographic split in the species, which correlates with differences in patterns of within-population variation. Northern populations were fixed for one chloroplast haplotype but showed high levels of AFLP genotypic diversity consistent with sexual reproduction (proportion of genotypes distinguishable, PD = 0.98). More southerly populations showed fixed differences from the northern populations in their chloroplast haplotype and for 10 AFLP markers. They harboured only 12 unique multilocus genotypes among 113 individuals from six populations (PD = 0.11). These genotypes differed mostly by single bands, and none by more than 4/138 loci, with identical multilocus genotypes occurring in widely separated populations. This uniformity in southern populations is consistent with agamospermous or autogamous reproduction, and/or an extreme population bottleneck. Finally, the observed patterns of population differentiation in S. romanzoffiana are compared with other studies of orchids, revealing a wide range of values that belie recent contrasting published generalisations that claim that orchids show either higher, or lower, levels of population differentiation than other plant families.

Variation at a chloroplast minisatellite locus reveals the signature of habitat fragmentation and genetic bottlenecks in the rare orchid Anacamptis palustris (Orchidaceae)

Geoclimatic changes during the Oligocene and more recent anthropogenic influences have shaped the current distribution and population structure of Mediterranean plant species. Anacamptis palustris (Orchidaceae) is a typical member of coastal wetlands, which have become increasingly fragmented and isolated. As a consequence, this orchid has become rare in the recent past. Length variation at a chloroplast minisatellite locus was used to estimate genetic variation within and between the largest extant populations of A. palustris. Genetic diversity was positively correlated with population size. Estimation of observed and expected gene diversity and analyses of haplotype number and haplotype frequency distributions provided evidence for population bottlenecks in the history of small populations. Comparison with an earlier study suggests that nuclear allozyme diversity was most likely lost during the Oligocene and could not recover subsequently due to low mutation rates, whereas genetic variation was restored at the highly variable chloroplast minisatellite locus. Population bottlenecks indicated by cpDNA variation occurred most likely as a consequence of more recent anthropogenic changes. The comparison of molecular markers with different levels of polymorphism provided valuable insights into the processes shaping genetic diversity and population structure in this rare orchid.

GENE FLOW ACROSS SPECIES BOUNDARIES IN SYMPATRIC, SEXUALLY DECEPTIVE OPHRYS (ORCHIDACEAE) SPECIES

Orchids of the genus Ophrys (Orchidaceae) are pollinated by male bees and wasps through sexual deception. The Ophrys sphegodes group encompasses several closely related species that differ slightly in floral morphology and are pollinated by different solitary bee species. Populations representing different species of the O. sphegodes group often flower simultaneously in sympatry. To test whether gene flow across the species boundaries occurs in these sympatric populations, or whether they are reproductively isolated, we examined the distribution of genetic variation within and among populations and species of this group. We collected at each of five different localities in southern France and Italy two sympatric, co-flowering Ophrys populations, representing six Ophrys species in total. The six microsatellite loci surveyed were highly variable. Genetic differentiation among geographically distant populations of the same species was lower than differentiation among sympatric populations of different species. However, the strength of genetic differentiation among species was among the lowest reported for orchids. Genotype assignment tests and marker-based estimates of gene flow revealed that gene flow across species boundaries occurred and may account for the low observed differentiation among species. These results suggest that sexual deceit pollination in Ophrys may be less specific than thought, or that rare mistakes occur.

Spatial genetic structure and clonal diversity of island populations of lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) from the Biebrza National Park (northeast Poland)

Three populations of the rare and endangered plant species Cypripedium calceolus were included in a study of genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure in the Biebrza National Park, northeast Poland. Analysis of 11 allozyme loci indicate that the populations of this species contained high genetic variability (P = 45.5%, A= 1.73). On the other hand, the genetic differentiation (FST = 0.014, P < 0.05) among C. calceolus populations was very low when compared to other species with similar life history characteristics. The observed high rate of gene flow (Nm = 18) may suggest that the populations studied derived from each other in the recent past. Five polymorphic allozyme markers identified 109 multilocus genotypes in three populations and the majority of them (67%) were population-specific. One of the populations studied, characterized by particularly extensive vegetative reproduction, showed the lowest clonal diversity (G/N = 0.15) and heterozygosity (HO = 0.111) values and the highest FIS(0.380), when compared to other two populations (G/N = 0.26-0.27, HO= 0.166-178, FIS = 0.024-0.055). This may indicate that clonal reproduction has an important influence on the genetic structure of C. calceolus populations. The longevity of genets, the out-crossing breeding system and the presence of recruitment from seeds are factors maintaining genetic diversity in C. calceolus.

Microsatellite diversity and genetic structure of fragmented populations of the rare, fire-dependent shrub Grevillea macleayana

Recent habitat loss and fragmentation superimposed upon ancient patterns of population subdivision are likely to have produced low levels of neutral genetic diversity and marked genetic structure in many plant species. The genetic effects of habitat fragmentation may be most pronounced in species that form small populations, are fully self-compatible and have limited seed dispersal. However, long-lived seed banks, mobile pollinators and long adult lifespans may prevent or delay the accumulation of genetic effects. We studied a rare Australian shrub species, Grevillea macleayana (Proteaceae), that occurs in many small populations, is self-compatible and has restricted seed dispersal. However, it has a relatively long adult lifespan (c. 30 years), a long-lived seed bank that germinates after fire and is pollinated by birds that are numerous and highly mobile. These latter characteristics raise the possibility that populations in the past may have been effectively large and genetically homogeneous. Using six microsatellites, we found that G. macleayana may have relatively low within-population diversity (3.2-4.2 alleles/locus; Hexp = 0.420-0.530), significant population differentiation and moderate genetic structure (FST = 0.218) showing isolation by distance, consistent with historically low gene flow. The frequency distribution of allele sizes suggest that this geographical differentiation is being driven by mutation. We found a lack mutation-drift equilibrium in some populations that is indicative of population bottlenecks. Combined with evidence for large spatiotemporal variation of selfing rates, this suggests that fluctuating population sizes characterize the demography in this species, promoting genetic drift. We argue that natural patterns of pollen and seed dispersal, coupled with the patchy, fire-shaped distribution, may have restricted long-distance gene flow in the past.

Microsatellite genetic variation in small and isolated populations of Magnolia sieboldii ssp. japonica

Magnolia sieboldii ssp. japonica, distributed mainly in western Japan, is restricted to high elevation areas (1000-2000 m above sea level) and usually forms small isolated populations. Four microsatellite loci were assayed for 19 populations from six regions spanning the range of distribution, and the levels and distribution of genetic variation were estimated. All four loci were variable, with a total of 39 alleles, but the overall level of microsatellite genetic variation was low, especially compared with a related species, M. obovata. Genetic structure in M. sieboldii was characterised by low intrapopulational genetic variation (A = 3.74 and H(o) = 0.366 on average) and high genetic differentiation even among regional populations. Highly significant isolation-by-distance (IBD) models at the short distance were detected. Genetic drift and limited gene flow was considered to be important in determining the genetic structure within regions. Total genetic differentiation was remarkably high (F(ST) = 0.488 and R(ST) = 0.538), suggesting genetic barriers among regions. Neighbour-joining dendrograms relating the 19 populations, and further analysis on the IBD models, revealed that a stepwise mutation model was more suited than an infinite allele model to explain the genetic differentiation among regions. It is suggested that mutation at microsatellite loci might be influential in generating the genetic differentiation among regions. These results showed the potential of hypervariable microsatellite loci to evaluate the effects of genetic drift and population isolation within regions, and to detect genetic distinctiveness, in spite of the loss of overall genetic variation in M. sieboldii.