Niche convergence and biogeographic history shape elevational tree community assembly in a subtropical mountain forest.

Niche convergence or conservatism have been proposed as essential mechanisms underlying elevational plant community assembly in tropical mountain ecosystems. Subtropical mountains, compared to tropical mountains, are likely to be shaped by a mixing of different geographic affinities of species and remain somehow unclear. Here, we used 31 0.

A Multiplex PCR System of Novel Microsatellite Loci for Population Genetic Application in Walnuts.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of microsatellite loci allows for simultaneous amplification of two or more pairs of primers in a single PCR reaction; hence, it is cost and time effective. However, very few attempts have been reported in non-model species. In this study, by combining a genome-based de novo development and cross-species application approach, a multiplex PCR system comprising 5 PCR reactions of 33 microsatellites consisting of 26 novel genomic and 7 literature-sourced loci was tested for polymorphisms, cross-species transferability, and the ability to assess genetic diversity and population structure of three walnut species ( spp.

Variation in gene expression along an elevation gradient of var. assessed in a comparative transcriptomic analysis.

Selection along environmental gradients may play a vital role in driving adaptive evolution. Nevertheless, genomic variation and genetic adaptation along environmental clines remains largely unknown in plants in alpine ecosystems. To close this knowledge gap, we assayed transcriptomic profiles of late flower bud and early leaf bud of var.

Multitrophic diversity and biotic associations influence subalpine forest ecosystem multifunctionality.

Biodiversity across multiple trophic levels is required to maintain multiple ecosystem functions. Yet it remains unclear how multitrophic diversity and species interactions regulate ecosystem multifunctionality. Here, combining data from 9 different trophic groups (including trees, shrubs, herbs, leaf mites, small mammals, bacteria, pathogenic fungi, saprophytic fungi, and symbiotic fungi) and 13 ecosystem functions related to supporting, provisioning, and regulating services, we used a multitrophic perspective to evaluate the effects of elevation, diversity, and network complexity on scale-dependent subalpine forest multifunctionality.

Testing genome skimming for species discrimination in the large and taxonomically difficult genus Rhododendron.

Standard plant DNA barcodes based on 2-3 plastid regions, and nrDNA ITS show variable levels of resolution, and fail to discriminate among species in many plant groups. Genome skimming to recover complete plastid genome sequences and nrDNA arrays has been proposed as a solution to address these resolution limitations. However, few studies have empirically tested what gains are achieved in practice.

Differential expressions of anthocyanin synthesis genes underlie flower color divergence in a sympatric Rhododendron sanguineum complex.

Background: The Rhododendron sanguineum complex is endemic to alpine mountains of northwest Yunnan and southeast Tibet of China. Varieties in this complex exhibit distinct flower colors even at the bud stage. However, the underlying molecular regulations for the flower color variation have not been well characterized.

Repeated intercontinental migrations and recurring hybridizations characterise the evolutionary history of yew (Taxus L.).

The genus Taxus (Taxaceae) consists of 16 genetically well-defined lineages that are predominantly distributed across the Northern hemisphere. We investigated its biogeographic origin and evolutionary history by sampling 13 chloroplast gene sequences, the nuclear internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and NEEDLY sequences for all 16 lineages. We applied Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference analyses to infer their phylogenetic relationships, time-calibrated phylogenies using BEAST and inferred the ancestral area of occupancy with BioGeoBEARS.

Development of 32 novel microsatellite loci in using genomic data.

Premise: A novel set of microsatellite markers was developed for (Juglandaceae), an endemic walnut species in southwestern China, to facilitate cultivar identification and future investigations into the genetic structure and domestication history of this species and its close relatives.

Methods And Results: We developed 32 microsatellite loci for using genomic data and used them to examine 60 individuals from three natural populations. A high level of polymorphism was detected by these primers, with up to eight alleles observed per locus, and an average of four alleles across populations.

Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for tree peony Paeonia delavayi (Paeoniaceae) using ddRAD-seq data.

Microsatellite markers were developed for the tree peony Paeonia delavayi to investigate fine scale population genetics of this species. Using ddRAD-seq data from twenty individuals of P. delavayi, we identified 529 polymorphic microsatellite loci, of which 195 were suitable for designing microsatellite primers.

Integrating a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library with a global map of yews (Taxus L.) for forensic identification.

Rapid and accurate identification of endangered species is a critical component of biosurveillance and conservation management, and potentially policing illegal trades. However, this is often not possible using traditional taxonomy, especially where only small or preprocessed parts of plants are available. Reliable identification can be achieved via a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library, accompanied by precise distribution data.

Development of microsatellite markers for Sargentodoxa cuneata (Lardizabalaceae) using next-generation sequencing technology.

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite loci were developed for a woody deciduous liana, Sargentodoxa cuneata (Lardizabalaceae), to help infer the evolutionary histories of ancient monotypic genera in subtropical China.

Methods And Results: Using next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) technology, 21 polymorphic primer sets were identified in three wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven.

Development of microsatellite loci for Cyclocarya paliurus (Juglandaceae), a monotypic species in subtropical China.

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite loci were developed for a monotypic species endemic to subtropical China, Cyclocarya paliurus, to help infer the evolutionary histories of ancient monotypic genera in subtropical China. •

Methods And Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 28 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. All loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to eight.