Genetic Diversity Assessment of Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex. Gordon) from Meghalaya Using Chloroplast Microsatellite Markers

Abstract

The study conducted on four populations of P. kesiya using cpSSR markers reported that the overall genetic diversity was higher (HT=0.547) as compared to within population genetic diversity (HS=0.285). Gene flow estimate was found to be relatively low (Nm=0.543). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 51.09% of the variation to be within population and 48.91% of the variation to be among populations. UPGMA clustering segregated the populations into a single cluster and the identity matrix showed that the population from Jowai was genetically distinct and requires special attention. The study highlighted sufficient levels of genetic variation among the populations of this region which should be conserved. Information obtained from this study can be useful in setting up proper management strategies for the conservation of P. kesiya forest in Northeast India.