Đồ Án Genetic variation and population structure in threatened species, water pine (Glyptostrobus pensilis

Abstract Water pine (Glyptostrobus pensilis, Cupressaceae), an ancient conifer distributes only in lowland swamp forests at elevation about 550-700 m above sea level in Dak Lak province and considered as the endangered species in Vietnam and the world. The species has been threatened in its area of distribution in recent centuries because of reduction, disturbance of native habitats and over-exploitations. Microsatellite markers (SSRs) were used to investigate genetic variation within and among populations of G. pensilis in Dak Lak. A total of twenty one primer pairs was tested on this species. Only ten primer pairs were selected to assess genetic variation at individual, population and species levels. Using a polyacrylamide gel, a total of 21 alleles was found among 134 individuals from two populations. The result indicates that G. pensilis maintains a high level of genetic diversity (mean P95=55%, Ho=0.257, He=0.210). Genetic differentiation among populations was low (Gst=0.040) and indicating high gene flow. AMOVA analysis also indicated that most of variation in the species occurs within populations. The implication of the results from the study to maintain genetic resources of G. pensilis has been discussed.