Genetic Diversity and Structure of Apomictic and Sexually Reproducing Lindera Species (Lauraceae) in Japan

Research Highlights: genetic diversity in populations were compared among related shrub species with different reproductive systems. Background and Objectives: Lindera are dioecious trees or shrubs that produce seeds by mating of males females. To evaluate the importance for persistence natural populations, we information four Japan. Three (Lindera praecox, umbellata, obtusiloba) sexual reproduction. The remaining species, glauca, reproduces apomixis; only female plants found Materials Methods: all sampled across a wide geographic area, from Tohoku to Kyushu, Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected multiplexed ISSR genotyping sequencing (MIG-seq) resulting parameters populations. Results: sexually reproducing values observed heterozygosity close expected ones inbreeding coefficients nearly 0. These results supposed be caused their obligate outcrossing. difference increased, ascending order, between mother plant its seeds, within space. We substantial component structure these species. For L. space not significantly what would PCR errors. Genetic glauca was extremely low. Conclusions: apomixis has advantage being able single individual, without mating, which may outweigh disadvantages associated low glauca. This explain why this is so widely distributed Provided current genotypes remain suited environmental conditions, constrained limited diversity.