I-SSR Markers Revealed Inconsistent Phylogeographic Patterns among Populations of Japanese Red Pines in Korea

To monitor the level and distribution pattern of genetic diversity in countrywide populations of Japanese red pines in Korea, 80 I-SSR variants were analyzed from 192 individuals in 11 populations. The previously reported data, obtained from the 8 populations of this species, were incorporated into the estimation of the population genetic statistics. Relatively higher level of genetic diversity was observed in 19 populations of Japanese red pines (mean of 0.453) than those in other tree species. From the results of AMOVA, majority of genetic diversity (92%) was allocated within populations, which brought about the moderate degree of population differentiation (ϕ_ST= 0.08). Two genetic groups were observed from the dendrogram reconstructed by UPGMA. Overall correlation between genetic relationships and geographic affinity was inconsistent among the 19 populations. Some probable genetic disturbances, induced by either human interference or the natural process of regeneration for the species after devastation, might be responsible for the discrepancy between genetic relationships and geographical distribution of the populations. These results suggested that simple geographic or ecological grouping might not represent the genetic zone of the Korean populations of Japanese red pines, and that more careful approach should be made for designating in situ gene conservation of this species in Korea.