Abstract:

The allozymic genetic diversity in Manglietia patungensis, an endangered and endemic species of China, was examined by employing isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide slab gels. Nineteen loci of eight enzyme systems were detected and used to estimate genetic diversity within and among populations. The results revealed that high levels of genetic diversity existed in M. patungensis. The average number of alleles per locus(A) was 1.57, the percentage of polymorphic loci (P)was 48.1%, and the mean expected heterozygosity (H_e) was 0.192. At the species level, the values of As, Ps,and H_es were 1.89, 68.4, and 0.209, respectively. The G_ST was 0.165, suggesting that 83.5% of the total genetic diversity was distributed within populations. Average gene flow (N_m = 1.27) was moderate. The fixation index (F= -0.191) indicated a slight excess of heterozygotes within populations. Considering the relatively high levels of genetic diversity in M. patungensis populations and the many seedlings regenerating in the largest population, we recommend in situ conservation to maintain viable M. patungensis populations in their original habitats.