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A review on QSTFST comparisons of seed plants: Insights for conservation
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  • Mi Yoon Chung,
  • Juha Merilä,
  • Yuseob Kim,
  • Kangshan Mao,
  • Jordi López-Pujol,
  • Myong Gi Chung
Mi Yoon Chung
Chungnam National University College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
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Juha Merilä
University of Helsinki
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Yuseob Kim
Ewha Womans University
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Kangshan Mao
Sichuan University
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Jordi López-Pujol
Botanic Institute of Barcelona
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Myong Gi Chung
Gyeongsang National University

Corresponding Author:mgchung@gnu.ac.kr

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Abstract

Increased access to genome-wide data provides new opportunities for plant conservation. However, information on neutral genetic diversity in a small number of marker loci can still be valuable because genomic data are not available to most rare plant species. In the hope of bridging the gap between conservation science and practice, we outline how conservation practitioners can more efficiently employ population genetic information in plant conservation. We first review the current knowledge about the within-population genetic variation and among-population differentiation in neutral genetic variation (NGV) and adaptive genetic variation (AGV) in seed plants. We then introduce the estimates of among-population genetic differentiation in quantitative traits (QST) and neutral markers (FST) to plant biology and summarize conservation applications derived from QSTFST comparisons, particularly on how to capture most AGV and NGV on both in-situ and ex-situ programs. Based on a review of published studies, we found that, on average, two and four populations would be needed for woody perennials (n = 18) to capture 99% of neutral and adaptive genetic variation, respectively, whereas four populations would be needed in case of herbaceous perennials (n = 14). On average, QST is about 3.6, 1.5, and 1.1 times greater than FST in woody plants, annuals, and herbaceous perennials, respectively. We suggest using maximum QST rather than average QST among trait comparisons. Hence, conservation and management policies or suggestions based solely on inference on FST could be misleading, particularly in woody species. We recommend conservation managers and practitioners consider this when formulating further conservation and restoration plans for plant species, and for woody species in particular.
20 Nov 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
21 Nov 2022Submission Checks Completed
21 Nov 2022Assigned to Editor
22 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
05 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Feb 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
14 Feb 20231st Revision Received
14 Feb 2023Submission Checks Completed
14 Feb 2023Assigned to Editor
14 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Accept