Genetic diversity, population structure, and traditional culture of Camellia reticulata. Issue 21 (21st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xin, Tong; Huang, Weijuan; De Riek, Jan; Zhang, Shuang; Ahmed, Selena; Van Huylenbroeck, Johan; Long, Chunlin
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 7:Issue 21(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 8915
• Page End: 8926
• Publication Date: 2017-09-21
• Subjects: Camellia reticulata -- ethnobotany -- genetic diversity conservation -- traditional culture; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Camellia reticulata is an arbor tree that has been cultivated in southwestern China by various sociolinguistic groups for esthetic purposes as well as to derive an edible seed oil. This study examined the influence of management, socio‐economic factors, and religion on the genetic diversity patterns of Camellia reticulata utilizing a combination of ethnobotanical and molecular genetic approaches. Semi‐structured interviews and key informant interviews were carried out with local communities in China's Yunnan Province. We collected plant material ( n = 190 individuals) from five populations at study sites using single‐dose AFLP markers in order to access the genetic diversity within and between populations. A total of 387 DNA fragments were produced by four AFLP primer sets. All DNA fragments were found to be polymorphic (100%). A relatively high level of genetic diversity was revealed in C. reticulata samples at both the species ( H sp = 0.3397, I sp = 0.5236) and population (percentage of polymorphic loci = 85.63%, H pop = 0.2937, I pop = 0.4421) levels. Findings further revealed a relatively high degree of genetic diversity within C. reticulata populations (Analysis of Molecular Variance = 96.31%). The higher genetic diversity within populations than among populations of C. reticulata from different geographies is likely due to the cultural and social influences associated with its long cultivation history for esthetic and culinary purposes by diverse sociolinguistic groups. This study highlights the influence of human management, socio‐economic factors, and other cultural variables on the genetic and morphological diversity of C. reticulata at a regional level. Findings emphasize the important role of traditional culture on the conservation and utilization of plant genetic diversity. Abstract : This work examined the influence of management, socioeconomy, and religion on the genetic diversity patterns of Camellia reticulate utilizing a combination of ethnobotanical and molecular genetic approaches. This study highlights the influence of human management, socioeconomic, and other cultural factors on the diversity of Camellia reticulata and emphasizes the important role of traditional culture on the conservation and utilization of plant genetic diversity.