Ecological and genetic analysis of Gentiana lutea L. populations from Ukrainian Carpatians

Abstract

Analysis of five natural (Lemska, Gutyn Tomnatyk, Sheshul-Pavlyk, Krachunyeska, Troyaska-Tataruka) and one man-made (Pozhyzhevska) populations of G. lutea of the Ukrainian Carpathians based on the parameters of genetic diversity (polimorphy, heterozygosis, the division of the total genetic variation for intra- and interpopulation) and ecological characteristics (density, age structure, the ability to self-sustaining) as well. Total (Dt) and effective (De) population density and number of indices: regeneration (RI), substitution (SI), aging (AI), age (Δ) and efficiency (ω) were determined. Vitality analysis of populations was performed by the method of Yu. A. Zlobin, while the type of strategy determined by Y. V. Tsaryk approach. Character of self-sustaining was determined by the ratio between the number of individuals of generative and vegetative origin. Analysis of genetic diversity of populations was performed by labeling inter-satellite sequences (ISSR-PCR) and arbitrary DNA ones (RAPD-PCR). Comprehensive analysis of the population states by their ecological and genetic parameters were performed similarly to the 5-point system of N. M. Beltyukova (2010). For the first time an integrated ecological and genetic approach to assessing the current state of the six populations of G. lutea of Ukrainian Carpathians was used. The research results can be used for stabilizing the number of violations and restoring the endangered natural populations. It was established that the indices of genetic polymorphism were similar for different investigated populations. It was found significant genetic divergence, which is due to their geographic isolation and differences in growth conditions. By the results of complex ecological and genetic analysis of G. lutea populations were classified into three groups: stable, relatively stable, unstable. The stability of populations (Lemska, Sheshul-Pavlyk), to our mind, is defined as their environmental and genetic characteristics and location in the conservation area. All this together provides the ability of populations to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions. As relatively stable was classified population from Gutyn Tomnatyk mount, which, despite the small number of individuals showed high levels of genetic polymorphism. This conservation of the genetic diversity by scanty isolated populations indicates the fact that G. lutea species so far has genetic resources that are capable of restoring the population in case of creation the favorable conditions. Troyaska-Tataruka and Krachunyeska populations was classified as unstable, which is obviously due to positioning of these localities in conditions of heavy anthropogenic pressure and the inability of their individuals to compete with tall shrubs in phytocenoses. The division of localities into separate loci may alter the overall genetic structure of the population; deteriorating of growth conditions may lead to disruption of population structures and, as s result, reduce their stability. Man-made population on Pozhyzhevska by the results of ecological and genetic analysis was stable. The ability of this population to withstand external influences, to compete with other types of groups and explore new territory was determined. Stability of agropopulation from Pozhyzhevska is evidence that artificial plantations of G. lutea in the highlands of Ukrainian Carpathians can serve as a way to preserve the gene pool of this species.