High levels of genetic diversity and population structure in an endemic and rare species: implications for conservation.

ABSTRACT: The analysis of genetic structure and variability of isolated species is of critical importance in evaluating whether stochastic or human-caused factors are affecting rare species. Low genetic diversity compromises the ability of populations to evolve and reduces their chances of survival under environmental changes. Petunia secreta, a rare and endemic species, is an annual and heliophilous herb that is bee-pollinated and easily recognizable by its purple and salverform corolla. It was described as a new species of the Petunia genus in 2005. Few individuals of P. secreta have been observed in nature and little is known about this species. All the natural populations of P. secreta that were found were studied using 15 microsatellite loci, two intergenic plastid sequences and morphological t

SUBMITTER: Turchetto C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4768524 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature