Genetic status of the endangered plant species Gladiolus palustris in the western part of its distribution area

Abstract

Many endangered plant species suffer from the effects of ongoing fragmentation of their populations leading to a loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift. In addition, populations of rare plants may also be affected by hybridization with other plant species. We studied the genetic population structure of populations of the endangered Gladiolus palustris in the western limit of its distribution area using AFLP markers. In addition, we clarified the taxonomic status of populations where hybridization with the closely related G. imbricatus was suspected based on morphology by sequencing the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA as well as two regions of the chloroplast DNA. Our analysis of the genetic population structure of G. palustris revealed a strong differentiation among geographical regions, which was much higher than the differentiation among populations within regions. Most populations retained a considerable amount of genetic variation. To counteract the future loss of genetic diversity through drift, we recommend using the largest populations per region as seed source to increase genetic diversity in genetic depauperate populations of the same region. Our genetic analyses indicated that some French populations of G. palustris are of hybrid origin. These hybridization events are likely to be ancient as these populations are very isolated and some parent taxa went regionally extinct. As these hybrid populations may elucidate post-glacial distribution patterns of related Gladiolus taxa, we advocate that they deserve the same conservation efforts as purebred ones.

Benefits of conservation-driven mowing for the EU policy species Gladiolus palustris Gaudin in mountain fen meadows: a case-study in the European Alps

“…The resumption of mowing for conservation purposes in our study area undertaken by the DBNP authority has halted the encroachment of woody species and has avoided a drastic change in plant composition. The population size of G. palustris is remarkable in terms of flowering ramets compared to literature data (see for example the populations studied in France and Switzerland by Daco et al 2019). The mowed area shows a larger occurrence and higher density of G. palustris in terms of flowering ramets (as shown by GLM) and percentage cover (as shown by GLM and linear regression) than the non-mowed area just outside the park border.…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of endangered plant species Anagallis foemina Mill. [Lysimachia foemina (Mill.) U. Manns & Anderb.]

“…The strong differentiation of A. foemina populations between geographical regions indicates that current gene flow is very low. Daco et al ( 2019 ) analyzing the protected species of Gladiolus palustris , found that although most of the population of G. palustris in the regions retained significant genetic variation, genetic diversity is likely to decrease in small populations due to genetic drift.…”

“…A comprehensive approach, including the analysis of anthropogenic and habitat impacts, allows determining the species susceptibility to population reduction and developing strategies for its protection. According to Daco et al ( 2019 ), in the case of high fragmentation of the population, in order to preserve biodiversity, the conservation of populations from each regional cluster is essential.…”

“…The strong differentiation of A. foemina populations between geographical regions indicates that current gene flow is very low. Daco et al (2019) analyzing the protected species of A low level of genetic diversity is usually found in small, isolated populations (Jacquemyn et al 2010;Crichton et al 2016;Sullivan et al 2019). The loss of species biodiversity in a given area is one of the main environmental problems (Godefroid et al 2011;Brütting 2013).…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of critically endangered Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo from North-Western Himalayas and implications for conservation

“…Interestingly, populations from two regions viz., Bathad from Kullu and Rangrik from Spiti valley revealed unique and different genetic structure, can be considered as potential populations for conservation strategy planning via introducing them to different regions to induce artificial gene flow 41 . Therefore, conservation of diverse individuals of each population is important to preserve the genetic diversity of D. hatagirea in the cold desert regions of Himachal Pradesh as diverse gene pools improves the chances of adaptation for future climatic conditions 42 .…”