Abstract : Habitat fragmentation engenders a reduction in the
geographic distribution of species, thereby rendering diminutive
populations susceptible to extinction due to environmental, demographic,
and genetic factors. Chieniodendron hainanense (henceforthC. hainanense ) exemplifies a wild plant with extremely small
populations (WPESP) and faces endangerment, necessitating urgent
national conservation efforts. Elucidating the genetic diversity ofC. hainanense is crucial for uncovering underlying mechanisms and
devising protective strategies. In the present study, 35 specimens from
six distinct cohort groups were genotyped utilizing
genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
methodologies. The results indicated that C. hainanense exhibits
limited genetic diversity. Observed heterozygosity within C.
hainanense populations spanned from 10.79% to 14.55%, with an average
value of 13.15%. The six C. hainanense populations can be
categorized into two distinct groups: (1) Diaoluoshan and Baishaling,
and (2) Wuzhishan, Huishan, Bawangling, and Jianfengling. The degree of
genetic differentiation among C. hainanense populations is
relatively weak. The observed loss of diversity can be attributed to the
effects of natural selection.
KEYWORDS: Chieniodendron hainanense , Endangered plants, GBS,
SNP, WPESP