Genetic diversity of populations of the Malesian Moss, Acanthorrhynchium papillatum, as measured by microsatellite markers and ITS2 sequences

ALFREDO AMIEL P. LEONARDIA

Publication

Genetic diversity of populations of the Malesian Moss, Acanthorrhynchium papillatum, as measured by microsatellite markers and ITS2 sequences

ALFREDO AMIEL P. LEONARDIA

Abstract

In this study, the genetic diversity of the Malesian moss species, Acanthorrhynchium papillatum was elucidated using microsatellite markers and ITS2 DNA sequences. Samples were collected from forested areas in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Genetic diversity was assessed at several scales: within clumps of a moss, among moss clumps in one sampling area, and among sampling areas. Eight microsatellite markers were newly developed for Acanthorrhynchium papillatum. Microsatellite markers and ITS2 sequences revealed considerable levels of diversity among clumps of the moss in each of the sampling areas. Diversity levels were reduced in areas that were more ecologically disturbed. In these areas, vegetative reproduction was the more important mode of reproduction. Vegetative reproduction was also determined to be the prevalent mode within clumps of the moss. High rates of mutation were detected in both microsatellite and ITS2 markers and are implicated in maintaining diversity in isolated populations of the moss.