Genetic variation in natural populations of Salvadora oleoides: An important medicinal plant that needs conservation

Evolutionary potential of a taxon is a function of the nature and amount of genetic variability occurring in it. Conservation genetic studies suggest that genetic diversity significantly influences the long-term viability and persistence of local population. The present investigation was undertaken to analyze genetic diversity in eleven natural populations of Salvadora oleoides by isozyme electrophoresis using seven enzyme systems. A total of 500 plants were studied for allozyme variation by means of acrylamide gel electrophoresis using seven enzyme systems. Parameters of genetic diversity and its partitioning were calculated. The genetic analysis demonstrated that S. oleoides maintain relatively high genetic diversity (p was 0.62, na was 1.75 and Ho and He were 0.184 and 0.199 respectively) when compared with other plant taxa. Genotypic proportions at most loci in most population's fit Hardy-Weinberg expectations. However, small heterozygote deficiencies were commonly observed. The coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations based on FST equaled 0.023. Genetic identities between population's pairs were high (mean I= 0.98). These values are high as compared with other widespread congener species. The levels of genetic diversity maintained within populations of S. oleoides indicate that an appropriate sampling design for ex situ safeguarding should capture the majority of genetic diversity found within this taxa to help ensure the long term viability of this species.

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