Genetic Divergence between Two Sympatric Ecotypes of Phalaenopsis pulcherrima on Hainan Island

Ecotypes are the result of ecological differentiation at early stages speciation. Adaptation to soil conditions offers arguably best examples local adaptation in plants. Two sympatric ecotypes, with either a red or green abaxial leaf surface, were found without clear geographical isolation Phalaenopsis pulcherrima, Southeast Asia endemic and endangered orchid. The ecotype has higher water content nutrient than ecotype. What is genetic structure two ecotypes? Is there complete partial reproductive between In this work, reflection ecotypes P. pulcherrima compared, illustrate their difference color. was examined, using ISSR SRAP markers determine populations. Our results showed that had reflectance spectrum peaks 530 nm 620 nm, while ecotype, peak absent. A total 165 loci high level diversity within analyses population revealed clusters corresponded ecotypes. percentage variation (24.55%) greater among populations (16.54%)—indicating isolation, differentiation, been more important barriers Most pairwise FST values on Hainan Island less 0.15; however, both Thai Malaysian 0.25, due South China sea isolation. Ecotypic an part speciation; therefore, we must take into account axes along which lineages sort, when formulating protection strategies.