| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1351345 | Biochemical Systematics and Ecology | 2015 | 9 Pages |
•The genetic diversity of 11 element occurrences of Allium munzii was investigated using two variable chloroplast markers.•An analysis of molecular variance showed that most genetic variation occurred among element occurrences.•Most of the element occurrences are strongly genetically differentiated.•The findings from this study provide valuable information to guide conservation planning.
An understanding of genetic diversity within and among populations of rare plant species is a prerequisite to develop effective conservation management strategies and reintroduction programs. Allium munzii is a narrow endemic species distributed in western Riverside County, California, USA and known from 18 extant element occurrences. We sampled 119 individuals from 11 element occurrences and investigated within and among population genetic diversity using two variable chloroplast markers (rpL32–trnL intergenic spacer and rpoC1 intron). Of the total genetic variation detected in A. munzii, 87.65% was due to differences among occurrences. Furthermore, our results revealed that most of the element occurrences are strongly genetically differentiated. There are low levels of gene flow between occurrences, not due to isolation by distance but possibly resulting from habitat fragmentation. Non-significant values of Tajima's D and Fu's Fs were found in all occurrences suggesting no demographic expansion in A. munzii. Ex situ seed and bulb conservation is recommended to enable introduction of individuals to occurrences with low abundance and genetic diversity.
