Genetic Structure and Conservation Management of Endemic <i>Salix kusanoi</i> in Fragmented Habitats of Taiwan.

ABSTRACT: Salix kusanoi is an endangered riparian tree species endemic to Taiwan. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure across eight fragmented populations employing 33 microsatellite loci. The findings revealed moderate genetic diversity (mean A_E = 3.85, H_O = 0.22) and significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This indicated an evolutionary pressure, such as genetic drift and inbreeding. The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) demonstrated evident genetic differentiation among populations (F_ST = 0.30). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and Bayesian clustering (STRUCTURE) described distinct regional genetic patterns, with K = 5 providing a robust context for understanding local

SUBMITTER: Palangasinghe PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11990847 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature