High genotypic diversity and strong spatial structure in populations of Trifolium alpestre with low seed production

The studies on clonal plant populations indicate that the proportion between clonal and sexual reproduction may be highly variable, depending on the biological characteristics of species and the ecological conditions of habitats. We focused on the genotypic diversity of Trifolium alpestre populations in Estonia. We assayed the genetic diversity, spatial genotypic structure and diversity with the use of allozyme markers. Populations revealed high levels of genotypic diversity and showed strong spatial structure of MLGs. The values of genetic diversity were moderately high. Spatially aggregated, identical genotypes spread up to 15 meters along the linear transects and in 4 m2 plots indicate extensive clonal propagation in populations. However, numerous unique and small-sized clones in transects and quadrates reflect significant contribution from the sexual reproduction. The spatially and temporarily stochastic soil disturbances have evidently opened new opportunities for the successful se...针对克隆植物种群的相关研究显示，克隆繁殖与有性繁殖的占比可能存在高度变异性，其具体数值取决于物种的生物学特性以及栖息地的生态环境条件。本研究以爱沙尼亚境内的高山车轴草（Trifolium alpestre）种群为研究对象，聚焦其基因型多样性。本研究采用同工酶标记技术，对该种群的遗传多样性、空间基因型结构及基因型多样性进行了测定。供试种群展现出较高水平的基因型多样性，且多位点基因型（Multi Locus Genotypes，MLGs）呈现出显著的空间结构特征，其遗传多样性指数处于中等偏高水平。沿线性样带分布的空间聚集型相同基因型最远延伸可达15米，在4平方米样方内的分布特征同样表明，该种群存在广泛的克隆繁殖现象。然而，样带与样方内存在大量独特且小型的克隆株系，这反映出有性繁殖对该种群的繁衍同样具有重要贡献。而空间与时间上随机发生的土壤干扰事件，显然为成功的……开辟了全新的机遇。