Population Structures and Diets of Two Species of <i>Pisodonophis</i>(Ophichthidae) from the Southwest Coast of Taiwan

This study was used to lift nets and trap net fishing at intertidal zone of lagoon and estuarine regions of southern Taiwan. From July 2013 to July 2018, a total 420 specimens of Pisodonophis were analyzed, the average total body length (TL) and average body weight (W) of P. boro eels are 68.4 ± 11.9 cm and 140.4 ± 86.1 g (N = 194), respectively. Typically, P. cancrivorus eels are smaller (TL = 52.8 ± 9.2 cm) and lighter (W = 107.9 ± 73.7 g [N = 119]) than P. boro eels. The natural logarithmic linear relationships between the TL and W of P. boro and P. cancrivorus are respectively expressed as ln(W)b = 2.4405 ln(TL) − 5.4448 (R2 = 0.796, N = 194) and ln(W)c = 3.2168 ln(TL) − 8.2027, (R2 = 0.934, N= 119). P. cancrivorus typically preys on shrimp, crab, and fish;lab assessment revealed that the frequencies of occurrence of these foods in their guts were 49%, 21%, and 15%, respectively (N = 100). The main catch months of P. boro were during the rainy season, and that of P. cancrivorus were the winter season in Taiwan. The average W values of P. boro from Jhuoshuei and Puzih estuaries were 343.2 ± 218.8 g (N = 91) and 140.4 ± 86.1 g (N = 194), respectively. Furthermore, the results of the study revealed that the Puzih estuary is overfished. We suggest that fishery management units should develop some protection measures for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems in estuarine regions. For example, the P. boro weighing less than 113 g will be released back to the estuary.

Evolutionary game dynamics of combining two different aspiration-driven update rules in structured populations

In evolutionary games,most studies on finite populations have focused on a single updating mechanism.However,given the differences in individual cognition,individuals may change their strategies according to different updating mechanisms.For this reason,we consider two different aspiration-driven updating mechanisms in structured populations:satisfied-stay unsatisfied shift(SSUS)and satisfied-cooperate unsatisfied defect(SCUD).To simulate the game player’s learning process,this paper improves the particle swarm optimization algorithm,which will be used to simulate the game player’s strategy selection,i.e.,population particle swarm optimization(PPSO)algorithms.We find that in the prisoner’s dilemma,the conditions that SSUS facilitates the evolution of cooperation do not enable cooperation to emerge.In contrast,SCUD conditions that promote the evolution of cooperation enable cooperation to emerge.In addition,the invasion of SCUD individuals helps promote cooperation among SSUS individuals.Simulated by the PPSO algorithm,the theoretical approximation results are found to be consistent with the trend of change in the simulation results.

Regeneration Status, Population Structure and Floristic Composition of Woody Plant Species in Sheleko Medicinal Natural Forest, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world endowed with rich biological resources. However, due to human impacts, the forest cover in Ethiopia has been decreasing rapidly. The study was carried out with the purpose of finding out the Regeneration Status, Population Structure and Floristic composition of Woody Plant Species in Sheleko Medihanialem Natural Forest in Gondar, North West Ethiopia, from October 2019 to September 2020. The systematic vegetation sampling method was used to collect data from Fifty plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) along five line transects. In addition, five, 5 m × 5 m subplots were laid within the main plot to sample seedlings and saplings. The floristic composition and population structure of woody individuals of trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥ 2 m were measured. DBH ≤ 2.5 cm and less than 1 m height were considered as seedlings and DBH ≥ 2.5 cm and height of 1 - 2 m as saplings. Vegetation data of density, frequency, basal area, and importance value index were computed. A total of 65 woody plant species in 54 genera and 34 plant families were recorded. Fabaceae, Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae were the dominant families in terms of species richness. Woody species densities for mature individuals were 2202.5 stems∙ha−1, seedling 2419.2 stems∙ha−1 and sapling 1737.6 stems∙ha−1. The forest was dominated by small-sized/young trees and shrubs, indicating the status of secondary growth and/or regeneration.

Genetic Structure of Malus sieversii Population from Xinjiang,China,Revealed by SSR Markers

One hundred and nine Malus sieversii accessions from four geographical populations located at Kuerdening in Mohe town, Gongliu County, Jiaowutuohai, in Xinyuan County, Daxigou in Houcheng County of Ily State, and Baerluke Mountain in Yumin County of Tacheng State, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China were studied by SSR markers. The purpose of the study was to determine the genetic structure and diversity in these eco-geographical populations with eight pair SSR primers of apple. The results indicated that： an average of 16 bands was detected in the four populations. The percentage of polymorphic bands in Gongliu population （89.06%） was the highest in the four populations. The average Nei＇s gene diversity index was 0.257 for all the loci. Totally, 128 polymorphic loci were detected and the percentage of polymorphic loci （P） was 100%, 88.28%, 84.83%, 87.50%, and 87.12%, respectively, at the species level and Gongliu, Xinyuan, Huocheng, and Yumin population levels. The Nei＇s gene diversity index （H = 0.2619） and Shannon＇s information index （1 = 0.4082） in the species level were higher than in the population level. The Nei＇s gene diversity index and Shannon＇s information index in the four populations were Gongliu 〉 Huocheng 〉 Xinyuan 〉 Yumin. Gongliu population and Xinyuan population were the highest in genetic identity and the closest in genetic distance. Gene flow between the populations was 7.265 based on genetic differentiation coefficient （GST = 0.064）. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicated that the genetic relationships between the Gongliu and Xinyuan population were the closest, and the Yumin population were the farthest with the other three populations. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicated that the four geographical populations located in Gongliu, Xinyuan, Huocheng, and Yumin were relatively independent populations. Concurrently, there was also mild gene exchange between the populations. On the basis of the study of population genetic structure and the highest genetic diversity, Gongliu population should be given a high priority consideration in Malus sieversii population＇s in situ germplasm conservation.

Population Genetic Diversity in Chinese Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars Revealed by Fluorescent-AFLP Markers

Eighty-five pomegranate （Punica granatum L.） cultivars from six geographical populations located at Shandong, Anhui, Shaanxi, Henan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang Provinces were studied for its population genetic diversity by means of fluorescent-AFLP markers. The results indicated that 135-185 polymorphic loci were amplified by eight pairs of primers at species level. An average of 158.25 polymorphic loci was amplified for each primer combination. The polymorphism percentage ranged from 62.5% to 86.11%, and the average polymorphism percentage was 73.26%. This indicated that there was plentiful genetic diversity in pomegranate cultivars. The genetic diversity at the species level was higher than that at the population level. The order of the genetic diversity was Henan population 〉 Xinjiang population 〉 Shaanxi population 〉 Anhui population 〉 Shandong population 〉 Yunnan population. Variance analysis showed that there was significant difference between populations in genetic diversity. The genetic differentiation coefficient between populations （Gsr） was 0.2018, which indicated that gene differentiation was mainly within the population, and between populations, it accounted for 20.18% of the total variation. Gene flow （Nm） between the populations measured was 1.9027 based on the genetic differentiation coefficient between populations, indicating that there was mild gene flow between populations. The UPGMA cluster analysis showed that most accessions from the same population were clustered together, but there was partly gene exchange. All genetic parameters indicated that there was plentiful genetic diversity in pomegranate cultivars in China, of which Henan population was significantly higher than the other populations, and it had wide application foreground in pomegranate breeding in China.

Sampling Strategy Within a Wild Soybean Population Based on Its Genetic Variation Detected by ISSR Markers

In order to determine an appropriate sampling strategy for the effective conservation of wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) in China, a natural population from Jiangwan Airport in Shanghai was studied for its genetic diversity through the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker analysis of a sample set consisting of 100 randomly collected individuals. A relatively large genetic diversity was detected among the samples based on estimation of DNA products amplified from 15 selected ISSR primers, with the similarity coefficient varying from 0.17 to 0.89. The mean expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.171 4 per locus, and Shannon index (1) was 0.271 4. The Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) further indicated that genetic diversity of the Jiangwan wild soybean population was not evenly distributed, instead, was presented by a mosaic or clustered distribution pattern. Correlation study between genetic diversity and number of samples demonstrated that genetic diversity increased dramatically with the increase of number of samples within 40 individuals, but the increase became slow and rapidly reached a plateau when more than 40 individuals were included in the analysis. It is concluded that (i) a sample set of approximately 35-45 individuals should be included to represent possibly high genetic diversity when conservation of a wild soybean population ex situ is undertaken; and (ii) collection of wild soybean samples should be spread out as wide as possible within a population, and a certain distance should be kept as intervals among individuals for sampling.

Population Distribution and Dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis, Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Acer mono in Dongling Mountain, Beijing

The spatial distribution and population dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis Koidz., Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance and Acer mono Maxim. were studied in three warm temperate deciduous forests in Dongling Mountain, Beijing. Clumped distributions appeared in most seedlings (≤0.4 m), short saplings (0.4-1 m) and tall saplings (1-2 m). Random distributions appeared in adults of Q. liaotungensis in Plot 1, F. rhynchophylla in Plot 3. The LSD method was used to discern the differences of different aged population. The class distribution of Q. liaotungensis was nearly a reverse-J shape for Plot 1 and Plot 3, suggesting that the population regenerates continuously. The age-structures of F. rhynchophylla and A. mono in Plot 1 and the test results indicated that they would increase continuously. In Plot 2, the class distribution and the test results showed that all populations would not regenerate continuously.

Allozyme Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of Three Medicinal Epimedium Species from Hubei

Three Epimedium species, E. pubescens Maxim., E. sagittatum （Sieb. ＆ Zucc.） Maxim., and E. wushanense T. S. Ying, which are sympatrically distributed in the western Hubei Province, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） for about 2,000 years. Genetic variability and population genetic structure of 11 natural populations of these Epimedium species were investigated using isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide slab gels. Of the 22 enzyme systems prescreened, six coding for 13 loci and 45 alleles were resolved, which were used for analyzing genetic diversity and population structure at both intraspecific and interspecific levels. The results showed that： l） high levels of genetic diversity were observed in all three species （A = 2.6-3.2, P = 69.2%-84.6%, Ho= 0.274-0.377, HE= 0.282-0.369）, which were higher than that of other herbaceous and aulmal-pollinated species with similar life-history characteristics; 2） there was significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, with one half of the loci showing heterozygote excess and the other homozygote excess, in all populations, suggesting the complicated breeding system of Epimedium species; 3） the low level of intraspecific and interspecific genetic differentiation （GST= 0.0246-0.0409 and 0.0495-0.1213, respectively） indicated a high level of gene flow among populations and close genetic relationship among the three species; and 4） UPGMA cluster analysis further showed that E. pubescens was more closely related to E. sagittatum than to E. wushanense, which was in good agreement with the morphological characters and the recent phylogenetic analysis of these species. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the mixed breeding system, long-lived perennial life form, ancient evolutionary history, and seed dispersal by ants in Epimedium are responsible for the genetic variation and population structure of these species.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Marsh Grassbird (Locustella pryeri sinensis) in China

We used sequences of mitochondrial control region （807bp） in 75 samples from three breeding colonies and one wintering population to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Marsh Grassbird （Locustella pryeri sinensis） in different regions of China. Marsh Grassbird retained a moderate amount of haplotype （0.759 ± 0.056） and nucleotide diversity （0.002）. The results of FST among 3 phy-logeographic units and ФST between breeding and wintering sites revealed little evidence of genetic distinction between different colonies. Neither UPGMA tree structure analysis nor Network picture analysis showed obvious divergence between populations at different locations. Analysis of molecular variance also showed a lack of regional subdivision within Locustella pryeri sinesis, 98.5% of source of variation within populations and only 1.5% among populations. The neutrality test showed negative Fu’s FS value, which, in combination with detection of the mismatch distribution, suggested that population expansion occurred in the evolu-tionary history of this species. This hypothesis was further supported by Tajima’s D test and Fu’s test （D = -1.80, p = 0.02; Fs = -22.11, p = 0.001）, this expansion was estimated to occur about 28,700 years ago.

Effects of N Rates on Canopy Microclimate and Population Health in Irrigated Rice

Objective The aim was to elucidate the effects of N rates on rice canopy microclimate and community health so as to provide a sci- entific basis for studying the production potential in irrigated rice with healthy canopy. Method The effects of rice population structure traits under different N rates on rice canopy temperature, relative humidity （ RH）, light transmittance and sheath blight were studied by using Sunscan canopy analysis system and HOBO（ Pro Temp/RH IS logger）. Result The results showed that leaf area index, plant height and tiller number had significant effects on canopy cooling, RH enhancing and light reducing. Extremely significant multiple linear regression relationships existed among canopy day temperature, day RH, LAI and tiller number, and among light transmittance, tiller number and plant height. At flowering stage, per unit LAI could result in a day-maximum-temperature （Tmax） deceasing of 0.87℃ and a day-minimum-RH （RHmin） enhancing of 2.5% within canopy. Similarly, 100 plants per ms could respectively cause a Tmax deceasing of 1.23℃ and an RHmin enhancing of 3.3% in rice canopy. And per 10 cm plant height and 100 plants per m^2 could respectively reduce 9.3% and 7.8% of light in canopy. Conclusion Sheath blight disease index was significantly enhanced as the canopy day temperature decreased, day RH increased and light transmittance reduced. Bigger canopy from higher nitrogen level treatment leads to a more stable canopy microclimate with little changes in temperature and RH during day and night, which has the risk of worsening canopy health. Thus, moderately controlling the space development of canopy is the basis of constructing healthy canopy in rice.

Analysis of Genetic Variation and Population Structure of Starch Synthesis-related Genes in Indica Rice Cultivars

In this study, 34 molecular markers of starch synthesis-related genes were used to evaluate the genetic variation and population structure of 87 indica rice cultivars from different countries and regions. The results showed that a total of 80 alleles were amplified using 34 primer pairs, with an average of 2.5 alleles per locus. The allele number varied from 2 to 6 among various cultivars. Shannon＇s diversity index of molecular markers varied from 0.303 to 0.796, with an average of 0.539. Polymorphism information content （PIC） varied from 0.084 to 0.658, with an average of 0.295. The genetic similarity coefficients of 87 indica rice cultivars ranged from 0.265 to 0.990, indicating significant genetic differences of starch synthesis-related genes among different cultivars, but the variation frequency of alleles varied among different cultivars. Population structure analysis showed that these 87 indica rice cultivars were divided into three categories. Genetic differences were small within the same category but great among different categories. Moreover, indica rice cultivars with simple genetic components accounted for 39.1% and those with complex genetic background accounted for 60.9%. This study may not only provide theoretical basis for genetic improvement of rice starch quality, but also lay a solid foundation for subsequent association analysis of rice quality-related traits.

Age, maturation, and population structure of the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas off the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zones

Age, maturation and population structure of the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas were studied based on random sampling of the Chinese jigging fishery off the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zones （EEZ） during 2008-2010. Estimated ages ranged from 144 to 633 days, confirming that the squid is a short-lived species with longevity no longer than 2 years. Occurrence of mature females and hatching in each month indicated that Humboldt squid spawned year-round. Back-calculated hatching dates for the samples were from January 22^nd, 2008 to April 22nd, 2010 with a peak between January and March. Two size-based and two hatching date-based populations could be defined from mantle length （ML） at maturity and back-calculated hatching dates, respectively. Females matured at a larger size than males, and there was a significant difference in ML at maturity between the two hatching groups （P〈0.05）. The waters adjacent to 1 l^S off the Peruvian EEZ may be a potential spawning ground. This study shows the complexity of the population structure and large variability in key life history parameters in the Humboldt squid off the Peruvian EEZ, which should be considered in the assessment and management of this important resource.

Microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Chinese mitten crab （Eriocheir sinensis） has higher commercial value as food source than any other species of Eriocheir in China. To evaluate the germplasm resources and characterize the genetic diversity and population structure of the crabs in different water systems, two stocks and two farming populations were assessed with 25 polymorphic microsallite loci available in public GenBank. Basic statistics showed that the average observed heterozygosity （Ho） amongst populations ranged from 0.5789 to 0.6824. However, a remarkable presence of inbreeding and heterozygote deficiencies were observed. To analyze population structure, pairwise FST coefficients explained only -10.3% variability from the subdivision of mitten crab populations, the remaining variability stems from the subdivision within subpopulations. Although the four populations had slight differentiation, different allelic frequencies resulted in distinct population structures. Two stocks and one farming population were clustered together to the phylogenetic branch of Yangtze crab, with an approximate membership of 95%. Whereas, another farming population was clustered singly to the phylogenetic branch of the Liaohe crab, with a membership of 97.1%. The tests for individual admixture showed that Yangtze crab had probably been contaminated with individuals from other water systems. Genetic relationships between populations also supported the conclusion that Yangtze crab and Liaohe crab had different gene pools in spite of the origins of the same species.

Population structure and distribution pattern of Taxus cuspidata in Muling region of Heilongjiang Province, China

An investigation was conducted on distribution pattern, site condition and population structure of yew Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc. in Muling Forest Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, China in April, 2005. Results showed that yew is mainly distributed under the main storey of natural mixed forest of conifer and broadleaf, the soil moisture content of the yew site is high （40%-60%）, the pH value of soil is relatively lower （4.7-5.5）, and that the population structure of wild yew is not rational, belonging to the degeneration population, which is one of the reasons leading to the population decline. Although the site conditions of Muling area are suitable for the growth of wild yew, the population of wild yew shows a decline tendency, due to the fact that the middle-sized adult yew trees have been cut, young yews are often grazed by wildlife, and that the trunks of adult yew tend to be hollow.

Spatial distribution pattern of Picea schrenkiana population in the Middle Tianshan Mountains and the relationship with topographic attributes

The spatial distribution of plant populations is an important feature of population structure and it de- termines the population＇s ecological preferences, biological characteristics and relationships with environmental factors. The point pattern analysis method was adopted to study the distribution pattern of Picea schrenkiana indi- viduals of different size classes and the correlations between two size classes as well as the impact of topog- raphical attributes on the population distribution. With increasing diameter at breast height, the plant density of the P. schrenkiana population showed a declining trend. Old trees showed a random distribution at a small spatial scale （0-12 m）, whereas saplings, small trees and big trees all had an aggregated distribution at all scales. With the increase of tree age, the scales at which maximal aggregation occurred gradually increased and the aggregation strength decreased. At a small scale （0-16 m）, all size classes showed a negative correlation and the larger the difference between tree size, the more significant the negative correlation. The number of medium, big and old trees had a significantly positive correlation with elevations, whereas the number of saplings and small trees was not significantly correlated with elevations. The numbers of saplings, small and medium trees showed a significant positive correlation with slope gradient, whereas the number of big trees was not significantly correlated, and the number of old trees was negatively correlated with gradient. With the exception of old trees, saplings, small, me- dium and big trees showed negative correlations with convexity index. The study provides a theoretical basis for the conservation, rehabilitation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems in the Tianshan Mountains.

Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of Chinese yak breeds (Bos grunniens) using microsatellite markers

Nine Chinese yak breeds （Maiwa, Tianzhu White, Qinghai Plateau, Sibu, Zhongdian, Pali, Tibetan High Mountain, Jiulong, and Xinjiang） and Gayal were analyzed by means of 16 microsatellite markers to determine the level of genetic variation within populations, genetic relationship between populations, and population structure for each breed. A total of 206 microsatellite alleles were observed. Mean F-statistics （0.056） for 9 yak breeds indicated that 94.4% of the genetic variation was observed within yak breeds and 5.6% of the genetic variation existed amongst breeds. The Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was constructed based on Nei＇s standard genetic distances and two clusters were obtained. The Gayal separated from the yaks far away and formed one cluster and 9 yak breeds were grouped together. The analysis of population structure for 9 yak breeds and the Gayal showed that they resulted in four clusters; one cluster includes yaks from Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, one cluster combines Zhongdian, Maiwa, and Tianzhu White, and Jiulong and Xinjiang come into the third cluster. Pali was mainly in the first cluster （90%）, Jiulong was mainly in the second cluster （87.1%）, Zhongdian was primarily in the third cluster （83%）, and the other yak breeds were distributed in two to three clusters. The Gayal was positively left in the fourth cluster （99.3%）.

Vitality variation and population structure of a riparian forest in the lower reaches of the Tarim River,NW China

Since 2000, the Chinese government has implemented emergency water diversion measures to restore the damaged riparian forest ecosystem with dominant tree species Euphrat poplar(Populus euphratica Oliv.)at the lower reaches of the Tarim River. In the present study, comparative analysis of variations in the vitality of P. euphratica trees were made using 2005 and 2010 data to illustrate the revitalization process of riparian forest. Poplar trees within 300 m of the riverbed were positively revitalized, while the vitality of trees farther than 300 m from the river decreased. Population structure was studied to demonstrate the development of poplar community. In the first belt, the class structure for the diameter at breast height(DBH) of P. euphratica fit a logistic model, and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th belt curve fittings were close to a Gaussian model; in other plots they were bimodal. Cluster analysis of the composition of the DBH class of poplar trees demonstrated that those within 16–36 cm DBH were the most abundant(58.49% of total) in study area, under 16 cm of DBH were second(31.36%), and trees >40 cm DBH were the least abundant(10.15%). More than 80% of the trees were young and medium-sized, which means that the poplar forest community in the vicinity of the lower Tarim River is at a stable developmental stage. The abundance of juvenile trees of P. euphratica in the first and second measuring belts was 12.13% in 2005 and increased to 25.52% in 2010, which means that the emergency water transfer had a positive impact on the generation of young P. euphratica trees in the vicinity of the river.

First genetic assessment of brackish water polychaete Tylorrhynchus heterochaetus: mitochondrial CO/sequences reveal strong genetic differentiation and population expansion in samples collected from southeast China and north Vietnam

Tylorrhynchus heterochaetus is a widespread benthic polychaete worm found in coastal brackish waters of the west Pacific.It has high ecological and economic value as a biomarker of water quality and as a high-quality feed in aquaculture and fisheries and is considered a delicacy in some areas of Asia.However,it has experienced a marked reduction in recent years due to overexploitation as well as changes in the environment and climate.Here,to comprehensively understand its genetic background and thus provide insights for better conservation and utilization of this species,we assessed the genetic variability and demographic history of T.heterochaetus individuals sampled from eight locations along the coasts of southeast China and north Vietnam based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I(COI)sequences.We observed high haplotype diversity(Hd),with an average of 0.926,but relatively low nucleotide diversity(π),with a mean of 0.032 across all samples.A total of 94 polymorphic sites and 85 haplotypes were identified among 320 individuals.The pairwise genetic distances among haplotypes ranged from 0.001 to 0.067,with the high intraspecific divergence possibly reflecting geographic isolation and gene pool fragmentation.Significant genetic structures were revealed among the studied locations;specifically,the eight locations could be treated as six genetically different populations based on pairwiseΦST results(0.026–0.951,P<0.01).A significant pattern of isolation-by-distance was detected between the genetic and geographic distances(r=0.873,P=0.001).Three geographic lineages were defined based on phylogenetic tree and network analyses of COI haplotypes.AMOVA results indicated that genetic variations mainly occurred among the three lineages(89.96%).Tests of neutrality and mismatch distribution suggested that T.heterochaetus underwent recent population expansion.These results provide the first report on the genetic status of T.heterochaetus and will be valuable for the management of genetic resources and better understanding of the ecology and evolution in this species.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Eleutheronema rhadinum in the East and South China Seas revealed in mitochondrial COI sequences

Eleutheronema rhadinum is a potential commercial fisheries species and is subject to intense exploitation in China. Knowledge on the population structure of E. rhadinum in Chinese coastal waters, which is important for sustainable exploitation and proper resource management, is lacking. In the present study, the genetic diversity and population structure of E. rhadinum were evaluated using a 564-base pair fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I （COl） gene. A total of 76 specimens were collected from three localities around the East （Qidong and Zhoushan） and South China Seas （Zhuhai）. Among these individuals, nine polymorphic sites were detected and 1 l distinct haplotypes were defined. High levels ofhaplotype diversity （h=0.759i0.035） and low levels of nucleotide diversity （re=0.001 98i0.003 26） were observed in these populations, Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance （AMOVA） indicated that 96.72% of the genetic variation occurred within the populations, whereas 3.28% occurred among populations. No significant genealogical branches or clusters were recognized on the neighbor-joining tree. Intra-group variation among populations was significant （~0~t=0.032 85, P〈0.01）. These results suggest that E. rhadinum populations in the East and South China Seas have developed divergent genetic structures. Tests of neutral evolution and mismatch distribution suggest that E. rhadinum may have experienced a population expansion. The present study provides basic information for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of this species.

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of 161 broccoli cultivars based on SNP markers

To better understand the genetic diversity and population structure of broccoli cultivars planted in China,a total of 161 representative broccoli cultivars in the past 25 years were collected and analysed based on single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers.Ten pairs of primers with good polymorphism and high resolution were screened from 315 pairs of SNP primers by 3 broccoli accessions(inbred lines)with different phenotypes and maturity.The 10 pairs of SNP primers were selected,producing 78 alleles.The diversity analysis indicated that the polymorphism information content(PIC)of SNP primer ranged from 0.64 to 0.90.The observed number of alleles(Na)was 2.00,the effective number of alleles(Ne)was 1.11–2.00,the Nei’s gene diversity(H)was 0.10–0.50,and Shannon information index(I)was 0.20–0.70 using PopGene32 software.The clustering results showed that the 161 broccoli cultivars could be divided into 4 major subgroups(A,B,C and D),foreign cultivars were all assigned to subgroup A,and domestic cultivars were assigned to 3 subgroups of B,C,and D.This study indicated that some domestic cultivars and foreign cultivars were similar in genetic background,but most domestic cultivars were still different from the Japanese cultivars.When K=2,the population structure result presented that 161 broccoli cultivars could be divided into 1 simple group(2 groups)and 1 mixed group.When Q≥0.6,143(88.82%)broccoli cultivars belonged to the simple groups.In simple groups 68(42.24%)broccoli cultivars of group 1 were derived from Japan,the United States,Switzerland,the Netherlands,China-Taiwan,and China-Mainland;75(46.58%)broccoli cultivars belonged to group 2;when Q<0.6,18(11.18%)broccoli cultivars belonged to the mixed groups.This study is helpful to understand the diversity and resolution of broccoli cultivars from worldwide,which is beneficial to plant breeding and materials innovation.And meanwhile,this result is also used for construction of broccoli fingerprint serving for cultivar identification.