View in EDS

Understanding conservation priorities for Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo from the Northwestern Himalayas through analysis of morphometrics and population genetics.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Understanding conservation priorities for Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo from the Northwestern Himalayas through analysis of morphometrics and population genetics.
Authors: Jaryal, Pratibha1 (AUTHOR), Pathak, Promila1 (AUTHOR) ppathak_2007@yahoo.com, Warghat, Ashish R.2 (AUTHOR) ashish.warghat@csir.res.in
Source: Plant Systematics & Evolution. Feb2026, Vol. 312 Issue 1, p1-17. 17p.
Subjects: Population genetics, Morphometrics, Habitat conservation, Medicinal plants, Orchids, Genetic variation, Herbal medicine, Endangered species
Geographic Terms: Himalaya Mountains
Abstract: The Himalayan Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza hatagirea is an economically important, endangered medicinal herb native to the Northwestern Himalayas, renowned for its significant therapeutic properties. Understanding genetic and phenotypic variations within a species is essential for identifying potential adaptations to environmental conditions and is critical for effective conservation strategies and plant breeding programs. In the present study, we have assessed genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships of 60 D. hatagirea individuals from 15 populations of the Northwestern Himalayas, complemented with morphometric analysis of 150 individuals from the same populations (10 individuals from each population). Our results revealed that the key traits, such as plant height, lip width, number of cauline leaves, bract length, inflorescence length, and stem diameter, were the major traits contributing to the variations among the different populations. Genetic diversity analysis indicated substantial variations among populations, with the SKM (Skampuk) population exhibiting the highest genetic diversity. Furthermore, populations showed a significant level of genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.605) with low gene flow (Nm = 0.326). Cluster analysis grouped populations into three main clusters based on genetic similarity, supported by the STRUCTURE analysis, which suggested three optimal genetic populations (K = 3). Despite considerable morphological and genetic diversity, no significant correlation was found between genetic and morphological traits. These results provide a baseline for targeted conservation and adaptive trait studies, ensuring the preservation of genetic variability in Dactylorhiza hatagirea. Moreover, insights into genetic differentiation and gene flow offer guidance for strategies to enhance genetic connectivity among fragmented populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Plant Systematics & Evolution is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The Himalayan Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza hatagirea is an economically important, endangered medicinal herb native to the Northwestern Himalayas, renowned for its significant therapeutic properties. Understanding genetic and phenotypic variations within a species is essential for identifying potential adaptations to environmental conditions and is critical for effective conservation strategies and plant breeding programs. In the present study, we have assessed genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships of 60 D. hatagirea individuals from 15 populations of the Northwestern Himalayas, complemented with morphometric analysis of 150 individuals from the same populations (10 individuals from each population). Our results revealed that the key traits, such as plant height, lip width, number of cauline leaves, bract length, inflorescence length, and stem diameter, were the major traits contributing to the variations among the different populations. Genetic diversity analysis indicated substantial variations among populations, with the SKM (Skampuk) population exhibiting the highest genetic diversity. Furthermore, populations showed a significant level of genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.605) with low gene flow (Nm = 0.326). Cluster analysis grouped populations into three main clusters based on genetic similarity, supported by the STRUCTURE analysis, which suggested three optimal genetic populations (K = 3). Despite considerable morphological and genetic diversity, no significant correlation was found between genetic and morphological traits. These results provide a baseline for targeted conservation and adaptive trait studies, ensuring the preservation of genetic variability in Dactylorhiza hatagirea. Moreover, insights into genetic differentiation and gene flow offer guidance for strategies to enhance genetic connectivity among fragmented populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03782697
DOI:10.1007/s00606-025-01973-y