Preliminary assessment of the genetic diversity in Lamyropsis microcephala (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Endangered species with small and isolated populations has been a key topic of conservation biology studies in the last decade. Lamyropsis microcephala is among the most significant narrow endemic plants in the Mediterranean region, lying on the Gennargentu massif of the Sardinia island (Italy). Due to heavy threat factors, this species has rapidly become threatened with extinction. The inter-simple sequence repeat technique was used to assess the genetic variation and structure of the individuals growing in the four remnant localities known to date, with the aim to implement further conservation strategies. Results indicated a degree of differentiation among the four subpopulations, in particular for the Fonni one. The estimates of Nei's genetic diversity (H) ranged from 0.0563 (Fonni) and 0.1104 (Bau ‘e Laccos). Analysis of molecular variance values showed that 53% of the total variation may be attributed to the individuals within subpopulations, while 47% is due to differences among subpopulations (P < 0.001). Results also highlighted a scarce gene flow (N_m = 0.503).

Keywords:

• Carduinae
• inter-simple sequence repeats
• narrow endemic
• population genetics
• Sardinia

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, for the financial support provided for the activities carried out by the Centro Conservazione Biodiversità (Project Sardegna 03, “Tutela di specie vegetali endemiche esclusive della Sardegna ad areale puntiforme ed a grave pericolo di estinzione”).

The authors are grateful to Prof. Gianni Barcaccia (Agripolis, University of Padova) for providing helpful critical comments on the manuscript.