Genetic diversity of Narcissus tortifolius, an endangered endemic species from Southeastern Spain

Abstract

In this work, we analyzed inter-simple sequence repeat markers from 10 populations (298 individuals) spanning the whole distribution range of the endemic Narcissus tortifolius. We assessed genetic variation levels and distribution by estimates of genetic diversity, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal coordinates and Bayesian methods. N. tortifolius showed moderate genetic diversity at intrapopulation level and low genetic differentiation of populations. In general, Almerian populations showed slightly higher levels of genetic diversity than Murcian populations. Our results indicate that habitat fragmentation has not caused genetic depauperation in N. tortifolius but did reveal moderate genetic differentiation. Indeed, principal coordinate analysis and Mantel test revealed a slight tendency to separate populations into two groups (Murcian vs. Almerian). A recent isolation event of populations, together with the perennial nature of this species could be the main reasons for this low to moderate differentiation. Our findings could be used to establish management guidelines for the conservation of this rare species.

Keywords:

• Amaryllidaceae
• conservation
• endemic species
• genetic variation
• inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR)

Acknowledgments

We thank Miguel Angel Carrión and Juan Bautista Vera for field assistance in sample collection. Directorates of environment (Junta de Andalucía and Región de Murcia) provided permission to collect samples.

Funding

The financial support for this work was provided by Fundación Séneca [grant number 02963/PI/05].