Genetic variability and population structure of Bergenia ciliata (Saxifragaceae) in the Western Himalaya inferred from DAMD and ISSR markers

Genetic variability and population structure of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb., commonly known as “Pashanbheda” (Stone-breaker), collected from the Western Himalayan region of India were estimated using two DNA fingerprinting methods viz., directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). The cumulative data analysis of DAMD and ISSR markers for 74 accessions from eight populations showed 86.1% polymorphism. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed highest percentage of variation within individuals of populations (73.6%) and 21.7% among populations. STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses on the hierarchical partitioning of genetic diversity showed strong admixture of individuals among the eight assumed geographical populations of B. ciliata. The data suggests that high genetic flow is one of the major factors responsible for low genetic differentiation. Preservation of genetic diversity of B. ciliata is important, both to promote adaptability of the populations to changing environment as well as to preserve a large gene pool for future prospection. The present study using DAMD and ISSR markers, therefore, provide the means of rapid characterization of accessions within the populations, and thus enable the selection of appropriate accessions for further utilization in conservation and prospection programmes.