Genetic diversity in tetraploid populations of the endangered daisy Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides and implications for its conservation

Polyploidy is an important variable in assessing the genetics of endangered plant species. Species consisting of populations with different chromosome numbers pose questions as to the mode of inheritance, relative variability status, population divergence and gene flow. The self-incompatible species Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides (Asteraceae) in south-eastern Australia is a good example. The remnant populations in the northern sector of the species range are diploid, whereas southern ones are either diploid or tetraploid. Allozyme analysis of the tetraploid populations showed tetrasomic inheritance confirming an autopolyploid genetic system, a modest increase in their allelic richness over diploid populations in the same region and a lack of genetic divergence. Conservation and replenishment strategies should take account of these genetic features of mixed ploidy.