Microsatellites of Primula vulgaris in translocated golf course populations

Background and AimsSpecies forced back into intensively used agricultural
landscapes face severe disturbance and random destruction, making
alternative restoration measures necessary. In Western Europe, Primula
vulgaris, a perennial heterostylous herb, is nowadays restricted to
fragmented habitats in arable landscapes. Translocations were conducted at
five locations on a golf course area, using outcrossed juveniles
originating from remnant populations. This study aimed to: (i) evaluate
the golf course’s contribution to species conservation; (ii) assess source
population suitability; and (iii) determine the translocation
network's impact on genetic diversity and gene flow of neighbouring
populations. MethodsWe conducted a demographic (census size, demographic
structure, morph ratio) and genetic study (genetic diversity and
structure, connectivity network, barrier and parentage analyses), using 13
microsatellite loci across adult and juvenile generations of translocated,
adjacent, and remote metapopulations, for pre- and post-translocation
periods. Key ResultsGolf translocated populations nearly doubled the local
census size, provided 1/3 of the breeders, harboured similar genetic
diversity to agricultural metapopulations, and were representative of
source populations. Most populations, even translocated and large ones,
were senescent. There was overall genetic erosion and local increases in
inbreeding over time, threatening long-term population sustainability.
Genetic erosion was associated with flowering size and pin proportion, and
exacerbated in juveniles, suggesting S Allee and genetic drift effects,
but also illegitimate pollination. Translocations enhanced pollen flow and
potential connectivity among adjacent populations, although barriers
between remnant populations persisted. ConclusionsUsing recreational
infrastructures as alternative sites for plant translocations, at
distances that enable effective pollen flow to integrate new populations
into the local network, can contribute to preserving species'
regional demographic and genetic pools, while increasing connectivity.
However, management control of landscape elements where the remnant
populations occur remains highly desirable, not only for safeguarding
existing old, still genetically diverse adults, but also to guarantee
balanced morph ratios and population rejuvenation.