Conservation genomics of the critically endangered sea lavender Limonium estevei (Plumbaginaceae)

This study employs a population genomic approach to comprehend the genetic composition, diversity, and demographic evolution of Limonium estevei. The construction of genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) libraries facilitates the acquisition of a comprehensive dataset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), thereby establishing a genomic foundation for future conservation initiatives.The specific objectives of this study are as follows: (1) To ascertain the present extent of genetic diversity and population structuring of the species across its distribution range; (2) To evaluate the level of past and current gene flow; (3) To infer patterns of demographic change through time and to detect bottlenecks or demographic expansion processes in the recent past of this species; and (4) To analyze whether natural hybridization with Limonium cossonianum poses a threat to the integrity of the species' genetic pool.