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Fitness and genetic variation of Viola calaminaria , an endemic metallophyte: implications of population structure and history
Author(s) -
Bizoux J.P.,
Daïnou K.,
Raspé O.,
Lutts S.,
Mahy G.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
plant biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.871
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1438-8677
pISSN - 1435-8603
DOI - 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2008.00077.x
Subject(s) - biology , genetic diversity , population , ecology , habitat , genetic variation , population size , population fragmentation , founder effect , taxon , evolutionary biology , genetic variability , gene flow , demography , genotype , genetics , sociology , gene , haplotype
We investigated variations in genetic diversity and plant fitness in a rare endemic metallophyte of calamine soils, Viola calaminaria , in relation to population size, population connectivity and population history in order to evaluate and discuss potential conservation strategies for the species. Mean population genetic diversity (H s = 0.25) of V. calaminaria was similar to endemic non‐metallophyte taxa. Twenty‐one per cent of the genetic variation was partitioned among populations and a low (9%) but significant differentiation was found among geographical regions. Our results did not support the hypothesis that the acquisition of metal tolerance may result in reduced genetic diversity, and suggested that strict metallophytes do not exhibit higher inter‐population differentiation resulting from scattered habitats. There were no relationships between population genetic diversity and population size. Significant correlations were found between plant fitness and (i) population size and (ii) connectivity index. Recently‐founded populations exhibited the same level of genetic diversity as ancient populations and also possessed higher plant fitness. There was no indication of strong founder effects in recently‐established populations. The results suggest that the creation of habitats through human activities could provide new opportunities for conservation of this species.