Distinct Genetic Structure Reflects Ploidy Level Differentiation in Newly Discovered, Extremely Small Populations of Xanthocyparis vietnamensis from Southwestern China.

ABSTRACT: Population genetic assessment is crucial for the conservation and management of threatened species. Xanthocyparis vietnamensis is an endangered species that is currently restricted to karst mountains in southwestern China and Vietnam. This rare conifer was first recorded in 2002 from northern Vietnam and then in 2013 from Guangxi, China, yet nothing is known about its genetic diversity nor ploidy level variation, although previous cytological study suggest that Vietnamese populations are tetraploids. There have been about 45 individuals found to date in Guangxi, China. Here, we genotyped 33 X. vietnamensis individuals using 20 newly developed, polymorphic microsatellite loci, to assess the genetic variability of its extremely small populations. The genetic diversity of X.

SUBMITTER: Jiang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8591046 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature