Microsatellite Diversity and Population Structure of Hypophthalmicthys molitrix in Hatchery Populations of Punjab

The genetic integrity of the commercially important fish species is being compromised mainly due to artificial propagation. The present study evaluated the extent of genetic variability and assessed the population structure of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix) in hatchery stocks of Punjab province, Pakistan using 16 species-specific microsatellite loci. The results revealed low-to-moderate scale of genetic variability in the hatchery stocks. The level of average observed heterozygosity varied from 0.3770 to maximum of 0.5874 in all the stocks. Most of the hatcheries showed heterozygote deficit. The average values of inbreeding coefficient ranged from 0.174 to 0.441. Most of the locus-population combinations showed significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The AMOVA revealed significant genetic structuring in hatchery populations of H. molitrix. The UPGMA dendrogram showed the populations clustering irrespective of their geographical proximities. The current research work provides a comprehensive knowledge regarding the genetic structure and genetic diversity of H. molitrix populations which may be applicable for the management of the concerned populations to maintain their genetic quality in Pakistan.