Comparative Analysis of Genetic Structure and Diversity in Salvelinus fontinalis, Salvelinus malma, and Their Hybrids Based on Microsatellite Loci

This study compared the genetic diversity and structure of Salvelinus fontinalis (SF), Salvelinus malma (SM), and their hybrids (♂ SM × ♀ SF, FM) using 10 microsatellite loci. Our results showed that the three groups of populations had moderate-to-high diversity, with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) ranging from 0.4534 to 0.5400, and the genetic diversity was the highest in FM. This indicates that FM is a suitable breeding material and has the potential to enhance germplasm resources. Based on STRUCTURE analysis (optimal K = 3), we observed that the hybrid population was between the two parental populations, and UPGMA clustering showed that the hybrid population had a closer relationship with the maternal parent. This study can provide a theoretical basis and strategic reference for the efficient development, conservation and utilization of new hybrid Salvelinus germplasm resources; the hybrid Salvelinus can serve as an excellent breeding material and has important application value in the germplasm genetic improvement and variety selection of S. fontinalis and S. malma.