Genetic variation of litter meadow species reflects gene flow by hay transfer and mowing with agricultural machines

Abstract

Litter meadows, historically established for litter production, are species-rich and diverse ecosystems. These meadows drastically declined during the last decades along with decreasing litter use in modern livestock housing. The aim of our study was to identify the drivers of genetic variation in litter meadow species. Therefore, we tested whether genetic diversity and differentiation depend on habitat age, landscape structure, habitat quality, and/or population size. We analysed 892 individuals of Angelica sylvestris, Filipendula ulmaria, and Succisa pratensis from 20 litter meadows across the Allgäu in Baden-Württemberg (Germany) using AFLP analyses. All study species showed moderate levels of genetic diversity, while genetic differentiation among populations was low. Neither genetic diversity nor differentiation were clearly driven by habitat age. However, landscape structure, habitat quality as well as population size revealed different impacts on the genetic diversity of our study species. Past and present landscape structures shaped the genetic diversity patterns of A. sylvestris and F. ulmaria. The genetic diversity of F. ulmaria populations was, moreover, influenced by the local habitat quality. S. pratensis populations seemed to be affected only by population size. All explanatory variables represent past as well as present gene flow patterns by anthropogenic land use. Therefore, we assume that genetic diversity and differentiation were shaped by both historical creation of litter meadows via hay transfer and present mowing with agricultural machines. These land use practices caused and still cause gene flow among populations in the declining habitats.

The impact of environment on genetic and epigenetic variation inTrifolium pratensepopulations from two contrasting semi-natural grasslands

“…All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and its electronic supplementary information file [76].…”

Anthropogenic and natural disturbances increase local genetic diversity in an early spring geophyte (Ficaria verna Huds)

“…Regular mowing can lead to reduced or even complete failure of fruit and seed set under conditions where sexual organs are cut off before maturity (Nakahama et al, 2016). However, if seeds or vegetative propagules are transported by mowing machines, mowing can increase gene flow within and between sites (Lehmair et al, 2020; Strykstra et al, 1997) and decrease SGS.…”

Anthropogenic and natural disturbances increase local genetic diversity in an early spring geophyte (Ficaria verna Huds.)

“…Regular mowing can lead to reduced or even complete failure of fruit and seed set under conditions where sexual organs are cut off before maturity (Nakahama et al, 2016). However, if seeds or vegetative propagules are transported by mowing machines, mowing can increase gene flow within and between sites (Lehmair et al, 2020;Strykstra et al, 1997) and decrease SGS.…”