DOI: 10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_86_26 ISSN: 2588-9834

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Threatened Pine Pinus dalatensis L. Revealed by Microsatellite Markers

Dinh Duy Vu, Mai-Phuong Pham, Ngoc Huyen Dang, Quoc Khanh Nguyen, Thu Giang Le, Plugatar Yuri Vladimirovich, Shevchuk Oksana Mikhailovna, Papelbu Vladimir Vladimirovich, Gerasimchuk Vladimir Nikolaevich, Sakhno Tatiana Mikhailovna, Smirnov Vasily Andreevich
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Abstract

Background:

Pinus dalatensis Ferré is a threatened endemic five-needled pine with a restricted distribution in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. However, limited information on its genetic diversity and population structure has hindered the development of effective conservation strategies.

Methods:

Genetic diversity and population structure were investigated in 97 individuals from three natural populations in Quang Ngai, Lam Dong, and Dak Lak provinces using eight polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers.

Results:

All loci were polymorphic (100%), with a mean of 2.25 alleles per locus. The species exhibited moderate genetic diversity (observed heterozygosity = 0.34–0.49; expected heterozygosity = 0.36–0.48) and a low inbreeding coefficient (Fis = 0.072). Analysis of Molecular Variance showed that most genetic variation occurred within individuals (74%), whereas 20% was distributed among populations. Moderate but significant population differentiation was detected (Fst = 0.204), accompanied by limited gene flow (Nm = 0.974). Pairwise genetic differentiation indicated closer genetic affinity between the Lam Dong and Dak Lak populations than with the Quang Ngai population. Principal Coordinate Analysis, Bayesian clustering, and Neighbor-Joining analysis consistently identified two major genetic groups with evidence of genetic admixture.

Conclusions:

P. dalatensis retains moderate genetic diversity despite its fragmented distribution. The observed population structure highlights the importance of conserving all remaining populations to preserve the species’ evolutionary potential. These findings provide a valuable genetic basis for conservation planning, germplasm management, and ecological restoration of this threatened endemic pine.

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