Abstract

Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) were used to estimate genetic diversity and structure within and among populations of Rhodiola imbricata a rare perennial herbaceous phytoadaptogen distributed in Trans-Himalayan region of India, especially the high mountain passes of Ladakh. The plants are harvested for rhizomes which lead to destruction of the whole individual. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the genetic variation was found mainly within populations (62%) and the variance between populations was only 38%. Nei’s genetic distance and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis does not show a consistent pattern of spatial distribution to the genetic differentiation among the accessions which can be a indication for genetic drift within populations which was observed in our study. The size of the natural populations of R. imbricata noted in field observations were very small, chiefly owing to habitat destruction and overexploitation. Optimum harvesting and in situ conservation strategies, domestication and plant tissue culture should be developed to guarantee the sustainable use and protection of this rare species.

Keywords: Genetic variation, Genetic structure, ISSR, Rhodiola imbricata, Trans-Himalayan region.