Using SSR markers to determine the population genetic structure of wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) in the Ily Valley of West China

Genetic structure of three wild populations (Xinyuan, Gongliu and Daxigou) of apricot in the Ily Valley, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, was investigated with microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) markers. The higher polymorphism and greater transportability of these markers between Prunus species proved SSR markers were much efficient for conducting genetic diversity studies in wild apricot. Nei's gene diversity (He) and Shannon's index of diversity (I) were 0.287 and 0.458, respectively. This indicated that the wild apricot in the Ily Valley still maintained a relatively high level of diversity. The Gst of 0.137 and Fst of 0.164 revealed that genetic variation mainly resided among individuals within populations (83.6–86.3%). Population differentiation could also be found according to the distribution of SSR alleles between the populations. Mantel test showed the genetic distance between populations was significantly correlated to the geographical distance. The modest amount of gene flow (2.684) would reduce the disjunction between wild apricots. The long-distance dispersal of pollen by insects was probably the main way of gene flow between populations. Based on the study of population genetic structure, an effective conservation strategy of the species was discussed.