Spatial Genetic Structure of Prunus mongolica in Arid Northwestern China Based on RAD Sequencing Data

The extensive range of sand deserts, gravel and recent human activities have shaped habitat fragmentation relict endangered plants in arid northwestern China. Prunus mongolica is a shrub that mainly distributed the study area. In present study, population genomics was integrated with species distribution model (SDM) to investigate spatial genetic diversity structure P. populations response create proposal for conservation this species. results showed northern marginal were first isolated from other populations. SDM suggested these had low levels suitability during glacial period. They could not obtain migration corridors, thus possessed gene flow connection Additionally, several underwent secondarily geographical isolation central populations, which preserved particular lineages. Genetic higher southern than ones. It concluded long-term after historical promoted divergence refugial along mountains persisted their ranges harbored whose fluctuated paleoclimatic changes. We propose should be well considered management.