The Genetic Differences and Structure of Selected Important Populations of the Endangered Taxus baccata in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Taxus baccata L. (common yew) is an endangered tree species in the Czech Republic. However, its natural occurrence has not been adequately protected in all areas of the country. The aim of this study is to determine whether the yew population in the newly established Mařeničky seed orchard (TS_L) enables mixing with other Czech yew populations. Using a set of nuclear microsatellites, the genetic diversity in the Lužické Mountains (TS_L) and in selected wild-provenance populations from the Czech Republic (Jílovské yews, TS_J; Březinské yews, TS_B, and yews from Moravský Karst, TS_M) was studied, as they could be donor sources for potential translocation activities. We observed that the level of genetic diversity within the four Czech yew units that were investigated was high. An analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 7% variation among populations, and the genetic differentiation values were low to moderate (FST = 0.042–0.108). According to a STRUCTURE analysis, high genetic similarity was observed between the TS_L and TS_B units. Our results provide important genetic suggestions on how conservation management can be designed to maximize its success.