Genetic variation of Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae) based on cpDNA PCR-RFLPs: inference of glacial refugia

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba, a famous living fossil, is the sole survivor of the genus Ginkgo. To make inferences about the glacial refugia that harbored G. biloba, we examined the genetic structure of eight potential refugial populations and plantations using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) with eight size variants in the trnK1-trnK2 fragment. The data consist of haplotypes from 158 trees collected from eight localities. The majority of the cpDNA haplotypes are restricted to minor portions of the geographical range. Our results suggest that refugia of G. biloba were located in southwestern China. This area is a current biodiversity hotspot of global importance, and may have been protected from the extremes of climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene. The Ginkgos on West Tianmu Mountain, which were previously considered to be wild by many researchers, may, instead, have been introduced by Buddhist monks. Heredity (2005) 94, 396-401.

Variation in the Concentrations of Major Secondary Metabolites in Ginkgo Leaves from Different Geographical Populations

“…However, this is still controlled by genes, and genetic factors play major roles [22][23][24]. China has many widely distributed ancient Ginkgo populations, which have abundant diversity [25,26], and many potential germplasm resources have been obtained from these populations. In the past, Ginkgo plantations of SMs were established without genetic selection in China, while variations in SMs concentrations have been found among different families, clones, etc., in some studies [27][28][29].…”

Development of novel chloroplast microsatellite markers for Ginkgo biloba

“…The well-known relic Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living seed plants, and its natural habitat is restricted to small areas of China (Shen et al, 2005;Gong et al, 2008;Tang et al, 2012). Because of its edible seeds, medicinal efficacy, and ornamental value, this species is now widely cultivated worldwide.…”

Phylogenetic signals in the realized climate niches of Chinese grasses (Poaceae)

“…Second, stable tropical climates may promote selection for narrow ranges of climatic tolerances of tropical species, leading to greater turnover of species along elevation gradients (Janzen 1967). Our study demonstrates that shifts between climate conditions occur more rapidly in the subtropical region, where climate fluctuates (including glaciation) seasonally (Ying 2001;Shen et al 2005). The evolution rate of climate niches may depend on the evolution rate of physiological tolerances to extreme climates (e.g.…”