Genetic variation in endangered Scrophularia takesimensis (Scrophulariaceae) from Ulleung Island

摘要

Genetic variation of Scrophularia takesimensis, an endangered species endemic to Ulleung Island, was studied using starch gel electrophoresis. All known populations were sampled for allozyme electrophoresis of eight enzymes coded by nine loci. Overall genetic variation was very low. Genetic polymorphism was rarely found among populations, and its estimated values were far smaller than those of other insular species. A positive F-IS value of S. takesimensis indicated overall deficiency of heterozygotes, and a low F-ST value meant very little differentiation among populations. High genetic identity between populations showed that they are recently originated, and did not undergo much differentiation. The extremely low genetic variation of S. takesimensis calls for effective conservation measures to be set up as soon as possible.