Phylogeographic analysis of Siraitia grosvenorii in subtropical China
provides insight into the origin of cultivated monk fruit and
conservation of genetic resources
Abstract
Siraitia grosvenorii, an economically important plant species with high
medicinal value, is endemic to subtropical China. To determine the
population structure and origin of cultivated S. grosvenorii, we
examined the variation in three chloroplast DNA regions (trnR-atpA,
trnH-psbA, trnL-trnF) and two nuclear gene orthologs (CHS and EDL2) of
S. grosvenorii in 130 individuals, selected from 13 wild populations
across its natural distribution range, and 21 cultivated accessions
using a phylogeographic approach. The results showed non-overlapping
distribution of chlorotypes, three distinct chloroplast genetic groups
restricted to different mountain ranges, and comparable nuclear
diversity among the distinct geographical groups, suggesting the
existence of at least three separate refugia. The current
phylogeographic patterns of S. grosvenorii probably resulted from
long-term survival in multiple refugia and limited expansion. Our
results also demonstrated that wild populations in northeastern Guangxi
share the same gene pool as cultivated S. grosvenorii accessions,
suggesting that the current cultivars originated from wild populations
distributed in northeastern Guangxi. The results of this study provide
insight into improving the efficiency of S. grosvenorii breeding using a
genetic approach, and outline measures for the conservation of its
genetic resources.