RAPD variation in relation to population size and plant fitness in the rare Gentianella germanica (Gentianaceae)

• DOI: 10.2307/2446416
• Publication Date: 2006-04-21T10:37:03Z
• Authors: Markus Fischer; Diethart Matthies
• Keywords: Genetic Variability; Effective population size; Gentianaceae

We investigated the distribution of genetic variation and relationship between population size in rare plant Gentianella germanica using RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) profiles. Plants for analysis were grown from seeds sampled 72 parent plants 11 G. populations different (40–5000 fruiting individuals). In large populations, parents two spatially distinct subpopulations comparable area to total covered by small populations. Analysis molecular variance revealed significant among ( P < 0.001), while was marginally 0.06). Average within did not differ significantly whole‐population values. There a positive correlation 0.01). Genetic also positively correlated with number per field 0.02) flowers planted seed common garden experiment 0.051). conclude that gene flow natural is very limited reduced fitness most likely has causes. Management should aim increase minimize further loss variation. Because proportion even are worth preserving.