High genetic differentiation and low genetic diversity in Incarvillea younghusbandii, an endemic plant of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, revealed by AFLP markers

Incarvillea younghusbandii Sprague (Bignoniaceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. As a species of medical and horticulture importance, I. younghusbandii is threatened by over exploitation and habitat fragmentation. In this study, we analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of I. younghusbandii using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Our data reveal very low levels of genetic diversity in seven natural populations across Tibet. Specifically, at population level, the average Nei's genetic diversity index (HE) and Shannon's diversity index (I) were 0.063 and 0.096, respectively. In contrast, high genetic differentiation among populations (Gst = 0.6238, ΦST = 0.614) is detected. The results of Neighbor-joining cluster, PCO, and STRUCTURE assignment reveal consistent pattern, suggesting seven well-defined genetic groups that are concordant with their geographical origins. The possible mechanisms and implications of these findings for conservation are discussed.