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<p>The Himalayan Marsh Orchid, <i>Dactylorhiza hatagirea</i> 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&#xa0;assessed genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships of 60 <i>D. hatagirea</i> 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&#xa0;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 (<i>K</i> = 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 <i>Dactylorhiza hatagirea</i>. Moreover, insights into genetic differentiation and gene flow offer guidance for strategies to enhance genetic connectivity among fragmented populations.</p>

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

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月8日

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  • Pratibha Jaryal,
  • Promila Pathak,
  • Ashish R. Warghat

摘要

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.