Genetic Diversity of Rhodiola quadrifida (Crassulaceae) in Altai High-Mountain Populations of Kazakhstan
Khapilina O. Turzhanova A. Zhumagul M. Magzumova S. Raiser O. Tagimanova D. Kubentayev S. Shevtsov V.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Genes
2025#16Issue 12
Background: Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Crassulaceae) is a rare medicinal species in the Kazakh Altai, yet information on its population structure and genetic diversity remains limited. This study presents findings from an investigation of natural R. quadrifida populations. Methods: The morphometric characteristics, population age structure, and genetic diversity of the plants were analysed using PCR-based genome profiling. Genetic diversity within R. quadrifida populations was assessed using PCR primers for binding sites complementary to a specific region at the 3′ terminus of a particular tRNA. Results: The populations exhibited variations in morphological traits, age structures, and reproductive strategies. The IVA-1, IVA-2 and KOK populations represent the most mature stages, characterized by a dominance of vegetative reproduction and a disturbed age structure, with a predominance of senile and virgin individuals. In contrast, the LIN-1 and LIN-2 population is characterized by a balanced age structure, encompassing all ontogenetic groups, and a mixed reproductive system that includes both sexual and vegetative propagation. Genetic diversity, as measured by Shannon’s information index, ranged from 0.194 to 0.247, indicating low genetic diversity in R. quadrifida. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significantly greater variation within populations (62%) than among populations (38%). Genetic diversity was higher in the LIN-1 and LIN-2 populations, which employs a mixed reproductive system (clonal and seeds), than in populations dominated by vegetative reproduction. Both LIN populations, characterized by a mixed reproductive system, exhibited higher genetic diversity than the KOK, IVA-1 and IVA-2 populations, where vegetative reproduction predominated. Conclusions: These results underscore the necessity for priority conservation measures, including monitoring population size and age structure in populations with low levels of seed reproduction and disturbed age structure. Additional measures include supporting in situ and ex situ conservation, such as clonal collection, seed banks, and tissue cultures, as well as restricting the harvesting of medicinal raw materials.
DNA molecular marker , genetic diversity , iPBS amplification , Rhodiola quadrifida(Pall.) Fisch. & C.A. Mey
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
National Center for Biotechnology, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana Botanical Garden, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Astana International University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
National Center for Biotechnology
Astana Botanical Garden
Department of Graduate School of Natural Sciences
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026