Genetic diversity and the population structure of Monochoria korsakowii in Japan revealed by nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

• Published in: Aquatic botany Vol. 187; p. 103656
• Main Authors: Jiang, Wei, Chen, Yuanyuan, Liu, Shiping, Tamura, Hiroto, Li, Wei, Wang, Guang-Xi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Endangered herbs; Gene flow; Genetic structure; Genetic variation; Monochoria korsakowii; SSR marker; Gene flow; SSR marker; Genetic variation; Genetic structure; Monochoria korsakowii; Endangered herbs
• ISSN: 0304-3770; 1879-1522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquabot.2023.103656

Monochoria korsakowii is an endangered annual herbaceous plant that grows in and around Japanese paddy fields. In the present study, the genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed in 10 populations of M. korsakowii consisting of 200 individuals from Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu, using 15 pairs of nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results showed that M. korsakowii populations have low genetic diversity (P = 32.9, Ne = 1.0949, I = 0.0911, H = 0.0584, and PPL = 20.56 %), which could be attributed to the highly disturbed habitat, low gene flow, and repeated genetic bottlenecks. The M. korsakowii populations exhibited high genetic differentiation (ranging from 0.5674 to 0.933) owing to the limited gene flow between them. It was inferred that the gene flow between the M. korsakowii populations was hindered by factors such as geographical distance, mountains, straits, and human activities. Thus, comprehensive conservation strategies should be implemented to protect the existing gene pools and enhance population structure. •Monochoria korsakowii is an endangered herbaceous species in Japan.•Low level of genetic diversity was revealed in M. korsakowii in Japan.•High genetic differentiation between M. korsakowii populations was observed.•The major genetic clusters were generally consistent with geographical regions.