Genetic Diversity on a Rare Terrestrial Orchid, Habenaria linearifolia in South Korea: Implications for Conservation Offered by Genome-Wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Monitoring intraspecific diversity offers invaluable insights on conservation practices as the variation is the product of species evolution. Accordingly, the role of population genetic diversity has drawn great attention over the last century responding to the biodiversity loss induced by a series of anthropogenic changes. Orchids are one of the most diverse, yet ironically most rapidly disappearing plant groups due to the specialized habitat preferences. Thus, population-level genetic diversity studies may offer a powerful tool for orchid conservation programs. Using the 3 restriction site-associated DNA (3RAD) approach, 2,734 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were isolated. With the 2,734 SNPs, we investigated genetic diversity and population structure on 72 individuals of Habenaria linearifolia and Habenaria cruciformis in South Korea. Overall, the genetic diversity was well maintained in South Korean Habenaria, but high F-ST values were estimated suggesting large population diversification with limited gene flow. Bayesian assignment analysis revealed a morphologically cryptic diversity pattern in Jeju Island populations, which might serve as an evolutionarily significant unit.

Automated summary

Monitoring intraspecific diversity is essential for conservation efforts, especially for orchid populations with specialized habitat preferences. This study examined the genetic diversity and population structure of Habenaria linearifolia and Habenaria cruciformis in South Korea, revealing significant population diversification and a cryptic diversity pattern in Jeju Island populations.