Genetic comparison of introduced and native populations of Miscanthus sinensis (Poaceae), a potential bioenergy crop

Abstract

Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. is a perennial grass being considered for bioenergy production in the United States (USA) and elsewhere. Because M. sinensis is already naturalized in the USA, it is important to examine its potential to spread with further introduction. Introduced populations may harbor substantial genetic diversity or enable genetic admixture, which may enhance adaptation to novel environments. Here we compare genetic diversity in introduced US populations with native Japanese populations to understand the potential for invasiveness through genetic means in M. sinensis. Using 11 microsatellite markers, we determined genetic variation and structure in populations within and across the introduced and native ranges. We also correlated genetic diversity with population size in each range. Genetic diversity was substantial and similar in all populations, with only allelic richness (A, Ap) significantly lower in the USA than in Japan. Japanese populations were slightly more differentiated (θ = 0.098) than those in the USA (θ = 0.078) although both exhibited significant genetic admixture and were composed of a number of different genetic groups (K = 3 or 7, depending on the STRUCTURE model). Genetic diversity (He) was positively correlated with population size, but only in the USA The lack of a genetic bottleneck and the consequent maintenance of genetic diversity and admixture in US populations suggest the potential for further spread of introduced populations, assuming such diversity is important for adaptation to novel environments. Potential invasiveness should be considered by breeders of new Miscanthus varieties for bioenergy and ornamental uses.

Miscanthus: Genetic Diversity and Genotype Identification Using ISSR and RAPD Markers

“…That stays in agreement with a number of other studies [13, 17, 29, 36, 61]. Taking into consideration the UPGMA analysis we assigned three subclusters in M. sinensis cluster.…”

A footprint of past climate change on the diversity and population structure of Miscanthus sinensis

“…In the USA, naturalized populations of Msi have become established and, though infrequent, they can be locally abundant, especially in the southern Appalachians (Quinn et al, 2010). A recent study compared genetic diversity between native Msi populations in Japan and naturalized populations in the USA (Quinn et al, 2012), but relationships between naturalized populations, ornamental cultivars and native Asian populations were not determined. Thus, the potential value of naturalized and ornamental Msi as a genetic resource for developing improved biomass cultivars of M×g has been unclear.…”

The Discovery of Natural Miscanthus Accessions Related to Miscanthus × giganteus Using Chloroplast DNA

“…2). In a comparison between material from Japan and the United States, the genetic structure was also found to be higher in the Japanese populations than in the introduced populations in United States where some species are widely commercialized (Quinn et al, 2012). In a comparison between material from Japan and the United States, the genetic structure was also found to be higher in the Japanese populations than in the introduced populations in United States where some species are widely commercialized (Quinn et al, 2012).…”

“…These cultivars corresponded to the European cultivated species for which the conscious domestication of the plants and trait selection could explain this low variation (Provan et al, 2001). In a comparison between material from Japan and the United States, the genetic structure was also found to be higher in the Japanese populations than in the introduced populations in United States where some species are widely commercialized (Quinn et al, 2012).…”