Genetic diversity of an endangered species, <i>Fokienia hodginsii</i> (Cupressaceae)

Abstract

Fokienia hodginsii (Cupressaceae) is distributed in montane evergreen forests in North and Central Vietnam and extends to southeastern China at 900 m above sea level. The species has been threatened in its area of distribution in recent years because of habitat destruction and over-exploitation. The genetic variation of F. hodginsii in Vietnam was investigated on the basis of eight ISSR markers. Three hundred and twenty-two sampled trees from eight populations in six provinces of Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, were used as material for the study. The ISSR data showed low genetic variability at both population and species level, with an average of 0.0701 and 0.1145, respectively. Genetic differentiation among populations was high (Gst = 0.2771), indicating limited gene flow (Nm = 1.3046). However, the implication of the results from this study which is to conserve genetic resources of this species was discussed.

Key words: Fokienia hodginsii, ISSR markers, genetic diversity, species conservation.