Spatial organization, DNA barcoding, and DNA sample bank establishment of wild populations of Malus sieversii for genetic resource conservation of an endangered species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51452/eaj.2026.3(131).2256Ключевые слова:
Malus sieversii; wild populations; spatial distribution; elevational analysis; biodiversity monitoring; protected areas.Аннотация
Background and Aim. Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M. Roem. is the primary wild progenitor of cultivated apple and is listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Conservation of its natural populations requires systematic monitoring and detailed characterization of their distribution and genetic resources. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution, elevational patterns, and molecular identity of M. sieversii populations in the Zhongar-Alatau and Tarbagatai State National Nature Parks.
Materials and Methods. A total of 156 trees were surveyed. Geographic coordinates and elevation were recorded for each tree using GPS. The spatial structure of sampling points was analyzed using pairwise geographic distance matrices and visualized in QGIS. Elevational differences among sampling sites were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Genomic DNA was extracted from leaf samples in triplicate to establish a DNA sample bank. Species identification was confirmed by DNA barcoding using the chloroplast markers trnH-psbA, matK, and rbcL.
Results. Geographic distance analysis revealed a hierarchical spatial structure of the sampled trees,
comprising three spatial scales – local, subregional, and regional – that separated the Tarbagatai trees from those of Zhongar-Alatau. Elevational distribution differed significantly among sampling sites (Kruskal–Wallis test: H = 74.10, p < 0.001). Trees in Zhongar-Alatau occurred at 1091–1461 m (1308 ± 104 m), whereas Tarbagatai trees occupied lower elevations (834–1119 m; 888 ± 87 m). DNA was
successfully extracted from all 156 trees, and DNA barcoding of 11 representative samples confirmed
species identity with 98–100% sequence similarity. All sequences were deposited in GenBank.
Conclusion. The geographic and ecological distinctiveness of the Tarbagatai population, together with the established DNA sample bank, provides a scientific basis for long-term monitoring and conservation of M. sieversii genetic resources in protected areas of Kazakhstan.
