Population genetic structure of Sagittaria natans (Alismataceae), an endangered species in China, revealed by nuclear SSR loci analyses

Sagittaria natans (Alismataceae) is an endangered aquatic herb in China. The nuclear microsatellite (SSR) loci variation of the 11 extant populations of S. natans was investigated in the present study. A relative high level of genetic diversity was found in this species. The Wilcoxon’s signed rank tests did not indicate a recent bottleneck in any of the populations. The Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed a low level of population differentiation (FST = 0.284) among the populations of S. natans. This result was supported by STRUCTURE analysis (K = 1), the NJ analyses and Mantel test (r = −0.0221, p > 0.5). The genetic structure could be contributed to an earlier period of more pronounced gene flow when the species had a more continuous distribution. The results of this study could be used as the basis for conservation guidelines for the management of this endangered species in China. ► We reveal a high level of microsatellites genetic diversity within or among populations of Sagittaria natans in China. ► Recent decimation of S. natans populations in the region has not had a major impact on genetic diversity. ► We find no significant population structure among populations of S. natans in China.