Genetic analysis suggests extensive gene flow within and between catchments in a common and ecologically significant dryland river shrub species; Duma florulenta (Polygonaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The conservation of plant species biodiversity has been identified as a crucial factor for the resilience of dryland ecosystems in the face of climate change and desertification. Duma florulenta (lignum) is a keystone species that facilitates biodiversity in the floodplains and wetlands of Australia's dryland river systems. This paper explores spatial genetic structure of lignum and investigates factors influencing dispersal and gene flow within and among river catchments of the northern Murray-Darling Basin.

Location

Northern Murray-Darling Basin, eastern Australia.

Methods

A total of 122 individual plants from subpopulations located on rivers in four adjacent catchments were genotyped using 10 microsatellite markers. Microsatellite data were then analyzed

SUBMITTER: Murray B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6635937 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature