Patterns of contemporary hybridization inferred from paternity analysis in a four-oak-species forest

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Few studies address the issue of hybridization in a more than two-species context. The species-rich <it>Quercus </it>complex is one of the systems which can offer such an opportunity. To investigate the contemporary pattern of hybridization we sampled and genotyped 320 offspring from a natural mixed forest comprising four species of the European white oak complex: <it>Quercus robur</it>, <it>Q. petraea</it>, <it>Q. pubescens</it>, and <it>Q. frainetto</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 165 offspring were assigned unambiguously to one of the pollen donors within the study plot. The minimum amount of effective pollen originating from outside the plot varied markedly among the seed parents, ranging from 0.18 to 0.87. The majority of the successful matings (64.1%) occurred between conspecific individuals indicating the existence of reproductive barriers between oak species. However, the isolation was not complete since we found strong evidence for both first-generation (8.4%) and later-generation hybrids (27.5%). Only two out of eight seed parents, belonging to <it>Q. petraea </it>and <it>Q. robur</it>, showed a high propensity to hybridize with <it>Q. pubescens </it>and <it>Q. petraea</it>, respectively. Significant structure of the effective pollen pools (<it>Φ</it>_{<it>pt </it>}= 0.069, P = 0.01) was detected in our sample. However, no support was found for the isolation by distance hypothesis. The proportion of hybrids was much higher (79%) in the seed generation when compared to the adult tree generation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>First-generation hybrids were observed only between three out of six possible species combinations. Hybrids between one pair of species preferred to mate with one of their parental species. The observation of first and later-generation hybrids in higher frequency in acorns than in adults might be explained by selection against hybrid genotypes, the history of this uneven-aged forest or past introgression between species.</p

A unifying study of phenotypic and molecular genetic variability in natural populations of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil from Yungas and Paranaense biogeographic provinces in Argentina

Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil is a native tree species in the South American subtropical forests that is discontinuously distributed. Thirteen quantitative traits and eight nuclear microsatellite loci were examined in individuals from two biogeographic provinces of Argentina in order to determine the number and composition of genetically distinguishable groups of individuals and explore possible spatial patterns of thephenotypic and genetic variability. Means of reproductive traits were higher in the Yungas than in the Paranaense biogeographic province whereas five out of eight non-reproductive quantitative traits showed higher mean values in the latter. Variance coefficients were moderate, and Analyses of Variance resulted in significant differences between and within provinces. Three clusters were defined based on spatial model for cluster membership for quantitative traits. One cluster grouped the individuals from the Paranaense biogeographic province whereas the individuals from the Yungas biogeographic province grouped regarding its population of origin. Parameters of molecular genetic variability showed higher values in the Yungas than in the Paranaense biogeographic province. Observed heterozygosity was lower than expected heterozygosity in both biogeographic provinces indicating an excess of homozygosity. The homozygosity test by Watterson and the exact test by Slatkin suggested diversifying selection for locus Ac41.1. Bayesian clustering spatial model for microsatellites loci data were performed for both all loci and all loci excluding locus Ac41.1. In both analyses two clusters were inferred. AMOVAs revealed similar results for all genotypes and for all genotypes defined excluding locus Ac41.1. Most of the total variance is attributable to genetic variation within clusters. The presence of homogeneous clusters was detected for both the phenotypic and molecular genetic variability. Two Bayesian clustering analyses were performed according to molecular genetic data, and two clusters were inferred. Individuals were assigned to their provinces of origin. Genetic molecular variation was higher in the populations of the Yungas biogeographic province which translates in highly qualified populations for conservation. Populations from the Paranaense biogeographic province showed the highest mean value of number of seeds per fruit making them valuable as well with regard to the exploitation of management strategies as a means to recover the impacted areas where these populations are located.Fil: García, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; ArgentinaFil: Prinz, Kathleen. Universität Göttingen; Alemania. Universitat Jena; AlemaniaFil: Barrandeguy, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; ArgentinaFil: Miretti, Marcos Mateo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; ArgentinaFil: Finkeldey, Reiner. Universitat Jena; Alemani

Gene flow of common ash (<em>Fraxinus excelsior</em> L.) in a fragmented landscape

Gene flow dynamics of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is affected by several human activities in Central Europe, including habitat fragmentation, agroforestry expansion, controlled and uncontrolled transfer of reproductive material, and a recently introduced emerging infectious disease, ash dieback, caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Habitat fragmentation may alter genetic connectivity and effective population size, leading to loss of genetic diversity and increased inbreeding in ash populations. Gene flow from cultivated trees in landscapes close to their native counterparts may also influence the adaptability of future generations. The devastating effects of ash dieback have already been observed in both natural and managed populations in continental Europe. However, potential long-term effects of genetic bottlenecks depend on gene flow across fragmented landscapes. For this reason, we studied the genetic connectivity of ash trees in an isolated forest patch of a fragmented landscape in Rösenbeck, Germany. We applied two approaches to parentage analysis to estimate gene flow patterns at the study site. We specifically investigated the presence of background pollination at the landscape level and the degree of genetic isolation between native and cultivated trees. Local meteorological data was utilized to understand the effect of wind on the pollen and seed dispersal patterns. Gender information of the adult trees was considered for calculating the dispersal distances. We found that the majority of the studied seeds (55-64%) and seedlings (75-98%) in the forest patch were fathered and mothered by the trees within the same patch. However, we determined a considerable amount of pollen flow (26-45%) from outside of the study site, representing background pollination at the landscape level. Limited pollen flow was observed from neighbouring cultivated trees (2%). Both pollen and seeds were dispersed in all directions in accordance with the local wind directions. Whereas there was no positive correlation between pollen dispersal distance and wind speed, the correlation between seed dispersal distance and wind speed was significant (0.71, p < 0.001), indicating that strong wind favours long-distance dispersal of ash seeds. Finally, we discussed the implications of establishing gene conservation stands and the use of enrichment planting in the face of ash dieback

Evidence for hybridization and introgression within a species-rich oak (Quercus spp.) community

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Analysis of interspecific gene flow is crucial for the understanding of speciation processes and maintenance of species integrity. Oaks (genus <it>Quercus</it>, <it>Fagaceae</it>) are among the model species for the study of hybridization. Natural co-occurrence of four closely related oak species is a very rare case in the temperate forests of Europe. We used both morphological characters and genetic markers to characterize hybridization in a natural community situated in west-central Romania and which consists of <it>Quercus robur</it>, <it>Q. petraea</it>, <it>Q. pubescen</it>s, and <it>Q. frainetto</it>, respectively.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>On the basis of pubescence and leaf morphological characters ~94% of the sampled individuals were assigned to pure species. Only 16 (~6%) individual trees exhibited intermediate morphologies or a combination of characters of different species. Four chloroplast DNA haplotypes were identified in the study area. The distribution of haplotypes within the white oak complex showed substantial differences among species. However, the most common haplotypes were present in all four species. Furthermore, based on a set of 7 isozyme and 6 microsatellite markers and using a Bayesian admixture analysis without any a priori information on morphology we found that four genetic clusters best fit the data. There was a very good correspondence of each species with one of the inferred genetic clusters. The estimated introgression level varied markedly between pairs of species ranging from 1.7% between <it>Q. robur </it>and <it>Q. frainetto </it>to 16.2% between <it>Q. pubescens </it>and <it>Q. frainetto</it>. Only nine individuals (3.4%) appeared to be first-generation hybrids.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data indicate that natural hybridization has occurred at relatively low rates. The different levels of gene flow among species might be explained by differences in flowering time and spatial position within the stand. In addition, a partial congruence between phenotypically and genetically intermediate individuals was found, suggesting that intermediate appearance does not necessarily mean hybridization. However, it appears that natural hybridization did not seriously affect the species identity in this area of sympatry.</p

Uses, traditional management, perception of variation and preferences in ackee (Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig) fruit traits in Benin: implications for domestication and conservation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Blighia sapida </it>is a woody perennial multipurpose fruit tree species native to the Guinean forests of West Africa. The fleshy arils of the ripened fruits are edible. Seeds and capsules of the fruits are used for soap-making and all parts of the tree have medicinal properties. Although so far overlooked by researchers in the region, the tree is highly valued by farmers and is an important component of traditional agroforestry systems in Benin. Fresh arils, dried arils and soap are traded in local and regional markets in Benin providing substantial revenues for farmers, especially women. Recently, ackee has emerged as high-priority species for domestication in Benin but information necessary to elaborate a clear domestication strategy is still very sketchy. This study addresses farmers' indigenous knowledge on uses, management and perception of variation of the species among different ethnic groups taking into account also gender differences.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>240 randomly selected persons (50% women) belonging to five different ethnic groups, 5 women active in the processing of ackee fruits and 6 traditional healers were surveyed with semi-structured interviews. Information collected refer mainly to the motivation of the respondents to conserve ackee trees in their land, the local uses, the perception of variation, the preference in fruits traits, the management practices to improve the production and regenerate ackee.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>People have different interests on using ackee, variable knowledge on uses and management practices, and have reported nine differentiation criteria mainly related to the fruits. Ackee phenotypes with preferred fruit traits are perceived by local people to be more abundant in managed <it>in-situ </it>and cultivated stands than in unmanaged wild stands, suggesting that traditional management has initiated a domestication process. As many as 22 diseases have been reported to be healed with ackee. In general, indigenous knowledge about ackee varies among ethnic and gender groups.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>With the variation observed among ethnic groups and gender groups for indigenous knowledge and preference in fruits traits, a multiple breeding sampling strategy is recommended during germplasm collection and multiplication. This approach will promote sustainable use and conservation of ackee genetic resources.</p

Genetic variation of introduced red oak (Quercus rubra) stands in Germany compared to North American populations

Although Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is the most important introduced deciduous tree species in Germany, only little is known about its genetic variation. For the frst time, we describe patterns of neutral and potentially adaptive nuclear genetic variation in Northern red oak stands across Germany. For this purpose, 792 trees were genotyped including 611 trees from 12 stands in Germany of unknown origin and 181 trees from four populations within the natural distribution area in North America. Our marker set included 12 potentially adaptive (expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat=EST SSR) and 8 putatively selectively neutral nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) markers. Our results showed that German stands retain comparatively high levels of genetic variation at both EST-SSRs and nSSRs, but are more similar to each other than to North American populations. These fndings are in agreement with earlier chloroplast DNA analyses which suggested that German populations originated from a limited geographic area in North America. The comparison between potentially adaptive and neutral microsatellite markers did not reveal diferences in the analyzed diversity and diferentiation measures for most markers. However, locus FIR013 was identifed as a potential outlier locus. Due to the absence of signatures of selection in German stands, we suggest that introduced populations were established with material from provenances that were adapted to environmental conditions similar to those in Germany. However, we analyzed only a limited number of loci which are unlikely to be representative of adaptive genetic diferences among German stands. Our results suggest that the apparent introduction from a limited geographic range in North America may go along with a reduced adaptive potential

Genetic structure of disjunct Argentinean populations of the subtropical tree <i>Anadenanthera colubrina</i> var. <i>cebil</i> (Fabaceae)

Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil is a native South American tree species inhabiting seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs). Its current disjunct distribution presumably represents fragments of a historical much larger area of this forest type, which has also been highly impacted by human activities. In this way the hypothesis of this study is that the natural populations of A. colubrina var. cebil from Northern Argentina represent vestiges of ancient fragmentation, but they are additionally influenced by a certain degree of gene flow among them. We aimed to analyze the genetic structure of both nuclear and chloroplast DNA to evaluate the relative role of ancient and recent fragmentation on intraspecific diversity patterns. Sixty-nine individuals of four natural populations were analyzed using eight nuclear microsatellites (ncSSR) and four chloroplast microsatellite loci (cpSSR). The level and distribution of genetic variation were estimated by standard population genetic parameters and Neighbor Joining as well as Bayesian analyses. The eight ncSSR loci were highly polymorphic, while genetic diversity of cpSSRs was low. Nuclear SSRs displayed lower genetic differentiation among populations than cpSSR haplotypes (FST 0.11 and 0.95, respectively). However, high differentiation between phytogeographic provinces was observed in both genomes. The high genetic differentiation detected emphasizes the role of ancient fragmentation. However, the Paranaense province also shows the effects of recent fragmentation on genetic structure, whereas gene flow by pollen preserves the effects of genetic drift in the Yungas province.Centro Regional de Estudios Genómico

Comportamiento de la floración y sistema de apareamiento de los híbridos de algarrobo

La recuperación de los bosques de algarrobos de Prosopis flexuosa y P. chilensis en la región fitogeográfica del Chaco Árido puede llevarse a cabo, en parte, mediante planes de reforestación y enriquecimiento de bosques. Para ello es necesario conocer la variabilidad existente en las poblaciones locales y sus características particulares en cuanto a fenología, comportamiento reproductivo y descendencia, producción diferencial de frutos y crecimiento, entre otros. Para ello se realizan estudios a campo y desarrollan marcadores moleculares específicos.Fil: Cordoba, Ana Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Fitopatología y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Verga, Aníbal. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Fitopatología y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Mottura, Martín. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Fitopatología y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: López Lauenstein, Diego Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Fitopatología y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Gailing, Oliver. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Finkeldey, Reiner. Universität Göttingen; Alemani