A review on QST–FST comparisons of seed plants: Insights for conservation. Issue 3 (28th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, Mi Yoon; Merilä, Juha; Kim, Yuseob; Mao, Kangshan; López‐Pujol, Jordi; Chung, Myong Gi
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 13:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-03-28
• Subjects: adaptive variation -- conservation -- genetic diversity -- herbaceous plants -- neutral variation -- woody species; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Increased access to genome‐wide data provides new opportunities for plant conservation. However, information on neutral genetic diversity in a small number of marker loci can still be valuable because genomic data are not available to most rare plant species. In the hope of bridging the gap between conservation science and practice, we outline how conservation practitioners can more efficiently employ population genetic information in plant conservation. We first review the current knowledge about neutral genetic variation (NGV) and adaptive genetic variation (AGV) in seed plants, regarding both within‐population and among‐population components. We then introduce the estimates of among‐population genetic differentiation in quantitative traits ( Q ST ) and neutral markers ( F ST ) to plant biology and summarize conservation applications derived from Q ST – F ST comparisons, particularly on how to capture most AGV and NGV on both in‐situ and ex‐situ programs. Based on a review of published studies, we found that, on average, two and four populations would be needed for woody perennials ( n = 18) to capture 99% of NGV and AGV, respectively, whereas four populations would be needed in case of herbaceous perennials ( n = 14). On average, Q ST is about 3.6, 1.5, and 1.1 times greater than F ST in woody plants, annuals, and herbaceous perennials, respectively. Hence, conservation and management policies or suggestions based solely on inference on F ST could be misleading, particularly in woody species. To maximize the preservation of the maximum levels of both AGV and NGV, we suggest using maximum Q ST rather than average Q ST . We recommend conservation managers and practitioners consider this when formulating further conservation and restoration plans for plant species, particularly woody species. Abstract : One of the conservation applications derived from Q ST – F ST comparisons is that they provide useful insights on how to capture most neutral (NGV) and adaptive (AGV) genetic variation on both in‐situ and ex‐situ programs. To capture 99% of NGV (based on F ST, a parameter of the degree of among‐population genetic differentiation) and AGV (based on Q ST, an F ST analog for quantitative traits), two and four populations would be needed for perennial trees, respectively. For annuals, we would need four and six populations, respectively, whereas four populations would be needed for herbaceous perennials for both AGV and NGV. On average, Q ST is approximately 3.6‐, 1.5‐, and 1.1‐fold greater than F ST for woody plants, annuals, and herbaceous perennials, respectively. For both AGV and NGV, it is recommended to use the maximum Q ST rather than the average Q ST to best preserve the maximum level. For example, for the widespread tree Populus balsamifera in North America, two populations ( Ф ST, an F ST analog = 0.067) would be needed to capture 99% of NGV, whereas up to 25 populations would be targeted to maintain sufficient AGV ( Q ST = 0.832 for the bud set). Conservation managers and practitioners are encouraged to consider this when formulating further conservation and restoration plans for plant species, particularly woody species.