The Genetic Diversity of the Rice-crayfish Eco-farming Procambarus clarkii in Anhui Province, China

Abstract

As a small economic aquatic animal for human consumption, the crayfish Procambarus clarkii breeding was vigorously promoted in Anhui Province. In the present study, genetic analysis was conducted on 12 cultured populations in Anhui Province by microsatellite. The results showed that all twelve populations were showed a high genetic diversity (He=0.483-0.660, PIC=0.422-0.588). Among which the genetic diversity of Quanjiao population is highest, while lowest in Changfeng population. AMOVA analysis showed that most of the genetic variation was found within P. clarkii population (91.08%), while only 8.92% was found among populations. Genetic differentiation and genetic distance analysis showed that the overall differentiation level was moderate (Fst=0.078). Phylogenetic tree showed that all groups in Taihu and Susong County have a close relationship, Huoqiu and Quanjiao populations formed a sister relationship, and genetic distance between Xuanzhou and other populations was furthest, which mainly related to the parents origin. Additionally, populations experience the bottleneck effect, and inbreeding existed within or among populations, especially in Chngfeng and Xuanzhou populations. The result indicated the germplasm resources of cultured crayfish in Anhui have a tendency of decline, the parents should be updated periodically, and genetic exchanges among the populations should be strengthened.