Genetic Structure of a Population of the Endangered Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias) in Southern Texas

We used data on alleles of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in 142 individuals of the star cactus Astrophytum asterias from five subpopulations to estimate genetic parameters. Four of the subpopulations had high levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity compatible with efficient outcrossin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Southwestern naturalist 2012-06, Vol.57 (2), p.182-188
Main Authors: Terry, Martin K, Pepper, Alan E, Strong, Anna W, Tarin, Daniel M, Price, Dana M, Manhart, James R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alleles
Astrophytum asterias
Cactus
Data processing
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Depopulation
Distribution
DNA
Endangered & extinct species
Endangered species
Feature s
Founder effect
Gene flow
Genes
Genetic aspects
Genetic diversity
Genetic loci
Genetic structure
Heterozygosity
Heterozygotes
Hypotheses
Inbreeding
Microsatellites
Physiological aspects
Plant genetics
Plant populations
Pollinators
Population genetics
Population size
Population structure
Propagules
Reintroduction
Studies
Subpopulations
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Summary:We used data on alleles of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in 142 individuals of the star cactus Astrophytum asterias from five subpopulations to estimate genetic parameters. Four of the subpopulations had high levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity compatible with efficient outcrossing, and low FST-values that suggested high rates of gametic gene flow effected by winged-insect pollinators. The fifth subpopulation that was small and occupied the smallest area had low levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity, which can be caused by small populations, inbreeding, geographic isolation, and founder effect. Our research indicated that all subpopulations, except one, were genetically suitable sources of propagules for reintroduction or for augmentation of other populations. Utilizamos datos de los alelos de siete loci polimórficos de microsatélites en 142 individuos del cactus Astrophytum asterias provenientes de cinco subpoblaciones para estimar los parámetros genéticos. Cuatro de las subpoblaciones mostraron altos niveles de heterozigosidad y diversidad alélica, siendo compatibles con cruzamiento exógeno eficiente, y bajos valores de FST, los cuales sugirieron flujo gamético de genes intermediados por insectos voladores como polinizadores. La quinta subpoblación, que era pequeña y ocupaba el área más pequeña, mostró bajos niveles de heterozigosidad y diversidad alélica, lo que puede ser consecuencia de un pequeño tamaño poblacional, endogamia, aislamiento geográfico y el efecto de fundadores. Nuestra investigación indicó que todas las subpoblaciones, menos una, eran genéticamente apropiadas para servir como fuentes para la reintroducción de la especie o el aumento de otras poblaciones.
ISSN:0038-4909
1943-6262
DOI:10.1894/0038-4909-57.2.182