Effects of heavy grazing pressure on the random amplified polymorphic DNA marker diversity of mountain rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) in south western Alberta

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 623-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Mengli ◽  
W. D. Willms ◽  
H. Bing ◽  
A. Laroche
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽  
Rapd Marker ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Heavy Grazing ◽  
High Gene ◽  
Rough Fescue

The Fescue Grassland is found in the western portion of the Northern Great Plains in Canada. Grazing and cultivation threaten this grassland, and a better understanding of its character is needed to preserve its integrity. Mountain rough fescue is highly sensitive to grazing during the growing season, which results in smaller plants and the death of some. The death of plants suggests the potential loss of genetic diversity. Therefore, we compared the genetic diversity of mountain rough fescue plants from sites in south western Alberta (50°12′N, 113°54′W) that had either been heavily grazed by livestock or left ungrazed for 52 yr to determine if grazing pressure had affected their genetic composition. Thirty-four and 43 plants were sampled in the spring of 2001 from very heavily grazed and ungrazed subpopulations, respectively, and their DNA was analyzed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Of the 15 primers used, 12 generated an average of seven polymorphic loci each. Ten loci were present at a frequency of 0.10 or less in the heavily grazed subpopulation and six in the ungrazed subpopulation. RAPD marker diversity between the heavily grazed and ungrazed subpopulations of mountain rough fescue was mainly the result of frequency differences (P < 0.05) produced by 20% of the total markers that were examined, while the subpopulations accounted for only 4.37% of total heterozygosity. Therefore, grazing affected frequency of some markers but did not eliminate genes that may be linked with grazing sensitivity or tolerance. Lack of clear genetic segregation between the subpopulations might be caused by a high gene flow (Nm = 10.92). This mechanism requires further testing in order to prescribe a suitable management response for restoring overgrazed grasslands. Key words: RAPD frequency, F-statistics, genetic identity, genetic distance, gene flow

Detection of genetic diversity in rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb) populations of southern Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, using RAPD markers

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-312
Author(s):  
Zhao Mengli ◽  
Han Bing ◽  
Walter D Willms
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Genetic Distance ◽  
Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Gene Frequencies ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
Potential Adaptation ◽  
Rough Fescue

Mountain rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) is a tufted native grass in southern Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and has attracted interest for use in reclamation. However, its seed is often available from only a few localized sources and may not be adapted for areas removed from the collection site. We conducted a study to determine the genetic variability among rough fescue populations to assess its potential adaptation. Thirty plants were collected from each of six populations and analyzed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). One population (Kamloops, BC) was separated by several mountain ranges from the five easterly Alberta populations.The Kamloops population was also separated from the Alberta populations by genetic distance in two clusters. Of the total genetic variation present in the data, 21% was found among populations while the remaining (79%) was found within populations. Nei’s genetic distances among populations were related to their geographical distances. Genetic differences among populations appeared to be caused primarily by differences in gene frequencies rather than rare genes. Also, genetic diversity appeared to increase from west to east suggesting that the more easterly populations had greater adaptation potential. We speculate that the more easterly populations are less likely to share genes since the prevailing winds are from the west. Germplasm from the more easterly populations may be used with suitable precautions within Alberta and possibly around Kamloops. Key words: Genetic distance, geographic distance, reclamation, potential adaptation

scholarly journals Genetic diversity of African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) occurring in urbanised areas of Gauteng, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 115 (7/8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian W. Ponsonby ◽  
M. Thabang Madisha ◽  
Schwaibold Schwaibold ◽  
Desiré L. Dalton
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Urban Expansion ◽  
Evolutionary Potential ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
High Gene

Genetic diversity is the basis of the evolutionary potential of species to respond to environmental changes. However, restricting the movement of species can result in populations becoming less connected which can reduce gene flow and can subsequently result in a loss of genetic diversity. Urban expansion can lead to the fragmentation of habitats which affects the ability of species to move freely between areas. In this study, the genetic diversity of the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) in Gauteng (South Africa) was assessed using non-invasive sampling techniques. DNA was extracted from spraint (faecal) samples collected along nine rivers and genotyped using 10 microsatellites to assess population structure and genetic diversity. Samples were grouped based on locality and by catchment to determine whether isolated subpopulations exist. Genetic diversity of A. capensis in Gauteng was found to be low (mean observed heterozygosity (Ho)=0.309). Analysis of genetic structure provides support for the otter populations being panmictic with high gene flow between populations from different rivers. Results from the study indicate that the movement of A. capensis is not affected by physical barriers in urbanised areas. However, because the genetic diversity of the species in the study area is low, these animals may not be able to cope with future environmental changes.

There Is No Evidence of Geographical Patterning among Invasive Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) Populations in the Northern Great Plains

Weed Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren A. Dennhardt ◽  
Edward S. DeKeyser ◽  
Sarah A. Tennefos ◽  
Steven E. Travers
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Propagule Pressure ◽  
Poa Pratensis ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
High Genetic Diversity

The study of colonizing and of dominant grass species is essential for prairie conservation efforts. We sought to answer how naturalized Kentucky bluegrass in the northern Great Plains has become successful in the last 20 yr despite its long history in the northern Great Plains. We tested for evidence of geographical differentiation using flow cytometry and microsatellite markers to ascertain the population genetics of Kentucky bluegrass. Across all tested wild populations, high levels of genetic diversity were detected along with moderate levels of structure. Mantel tests of geographical patterns were not significant. Using clonal assignment, we found two major clones that made up the majority of the tested wild populations. When we compared the wild individuals to pedigree cultivars, we found virtually no genetic overlap across all tests, which did not support our hypothesis of developed cultivars contributing to high genetic diversity in natural populations. Furthermore, DNA content tests indicated a narrow range in ploidy in wild populations compared with lawn cultivars, further supporting a hypothesis of divergence between wild and pedigree cultivars. These results indicate the recent invasion of Kentucky bluegrass in the northern Great Plains is not because of adaptation or propagule pressure, but rather likely an environmental or land use shift.

scholarly journals Characterization of genetic diversity of cactus species (Opuntia spp.) in Morocco by morphological traits and molecular markers

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. El Kharrassi ◽  
M.A. Mazri ◽  
M.H. Sedra ◽  
A. Mabrouk ◽  
B . Nasser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Polymorphic Information Content ◽  
Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽  
Rapd Marker ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Rapd Primer ◽  
Opuntia Spp ◽  
Issr Primers

The genetic diversity within and among 124 accessions of Opuntia spp. collected from different regions of Morocco was assessed using morphological descriptors and molecular markers. Based on 10 morphological traits, the accessions were separated into 3 main clusters; each cluster was containing accessions from different regions and species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then performed on 22 accessions from different regions and species, with 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers and one random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primer. ISSR primers produced 66 bands overall, 64 (96.9 %) of which were polymorphic while 6 bands were generated by the RAPD marker, all polymorphic. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.62 to 0.97, with an average of 0.82. The dendrogram of genetic differences generated using the unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) method showed 7 different clusters at a similarity of 0.76, which was confirmed by the principal component analysis (PCA). The main conclusion of our work is the high genetic similarity between Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia megacantha species in Morocco. Our results will be useful for plant breeding and genetic resource conservation programs.

scholarly journals Going with the flow: analysis of population structure reveals high gene flow shaping invasion pattern and inducing range expansion of Mikania micrantha in Asia

2020 ◽  
Vol 125 (7) ◽  
pp. 1113-1126
Author(s):  
Achyut Kumar Banerjee ◽  
Zhuangwei Hou ◽  
Yuting Lin ◽  
Wentao Lan ◽  
Fengxiao Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Distance ◽  
Range Expansion ◽  
Mikania Micrantha ◽  
High Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Pattern ◽  
High Gene

Abstract Background and Aims Mikania micrantha, a climbing perennial weed of the family Asteraceae, is native to Latin America and is highly invasive in the tropical belt of Asia, Oceania and Australia. This study was framed to investigate the population structure of M. micrantha at a large spatial scale in Asia and to identify how introduction history, evolutionary forces and landscape features influenced the genetic pattern of the species in this region. Methods We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of 1052 individuals from 46 populations for 12 microsatellite loci. The spatial pattern of genetic variation was investigated by estimating the relationship between genetic distance and geographical, climatic and landscape resistances hypothesized to influence gene flow between populations. Key Results We found high genetic diversity of M. micrantha in this region, as compared with the genetic diversity parameters of other invasive species. Spatial and non-spatial clustering algorithms identified the presence of multiple genetic clusters and admixture between populations. Most of the populations showed heterozygote deficiency, primarily due to inbreeding, and the founder populations showed evidence of a genetic bottleneck. Persistent gene flow throughout the invasive range caused low genetic differentiation among populations and provided beneficial genetic variation to the marginal populations in a heterogeneous environment. Environmental suitability was found to buffer the detrimental effects of inbreeding at the leading edge of range expansion. Both linear and non-linear regression models demonstrated a weak relationship between genetic distance and geographical distance, as well as bioclimatic variables and environmental resistance surfaces. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that extensive gene flow and admixture between populations have influenced the current genetic pattern of M. micrantha in this region. High gene flow across the invaded landscape may facilitate adaptation, establishment and long-term persistence of the population, thereby indicating the range expansion ability of the species.

Genetic diversity and biogeography of the boab Adansonia gregorii (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae)

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Bell ◽  
Haripriya Rangan ◽  
Rachael Fowler ◽  
Christian A. Kull ◽  
J. D. Pettigrew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Population Bottleneck ◽  
Geographic Structure ◽  
Significant Gene ◽  
Spatial Principal Components ◽  
High Gene ◽  
Components Analysis ◽  
The Last Glacial Maximum ◽  
The Last Glacial

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is recognised for its high biodiversity and many endemic species, including the charismatic boab tree, Adansonia gregorii F.Muell. (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae). In order to assess the effects of biogeographic barriers on A. gregorii, we examined the genetic diversity and population structure of the tree species across its range in the Kimberley and adjacent areas to the east. Genetic variation at six microsatellite loci in 220 individuals from the entire species range was examined. Five weakly divergent populations, separated by west–east and coast–inland divides, were distinguished using spatial principal components analysis. However, the predominant pattern was low geographic structure and high gene flow. Coalescent analysis detected a population bottleneck and significant gene flow across these inferred biogeographic divides. Climate cycles and coastline changes following the last glacial maximum are implicated in decreases in ancient A. gregorii population size. Of all the potential gene flow vectors, various macropod species and humans are the most likely.

scholarly journals Genetic Variability and Structure of Canadian Populations of the Sapstain Fungus Ceratocystis resinifera

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (12) ◽  
pp. 1323-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantal Morin ◽  
Colette Breuil ◽  
Louis Bernier
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Random Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Low Genetic Diversity ◽  
Central Canada ◽  
Geographical Populations ◽  
Coniferous Tree Species ◽  
Differentiation Index

Genomic DNA was extracted from 129 isolates of Ceratocystis resinifera, a species belonging to the C. coerulescens complex, and 19 polymorphic random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to study the population genetic structure of this fungus. The analysis suggested a moderate value for genetic diversity (HS = 0.209). However, when monomorphic markers and rare alleles, representing 89 markers, also were included in the calculation, the genetic diversity of Canadian populations of C. resinifera appeared to be much lower (HS = 0.045). This could be explained by two hypotheses: (i) recent introduction of this species into North America and (ii) clonal reproduction (by selfing). No specialization by C. resinifera for coniferous tree species was observed based on genetic differentiation index between isolates sampled from Pinus and Picea spp. and on phylogenetic analysis using Dice coefficient of association. In spite of a low genetic diversity, a very high genetic differentiation was observed among the nine geographical populations studied (FST = 20.8%). The genetic differences were especially striking when populations from Eastern Canada were compared with populations from Western Canada (φST = 0.27%; P < 0.001), suggesting that a geographic reproductive barrier occurs in Central Canada. This barrier may be the consequence of a weak migration of insect vectors of C. resinifera due to reduced presence of hosts in the Canadian Great Plains, where extensive agriculture occurs. However, results from pairwise FST matrix and phylogeny of haplotypes suggest that the barrier is not totally impenetrable because some gene flow occurred from the west and from the east in the Big River (Saskatchewan) population located in the middle of the Great Plains.

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