Microsatellite variation and assessment of genetic structure in tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia– Myrtaceae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Analysis of five microsatellite loci in 500Melaleuca alternifoliaindividuals produced 98 alleles that were useful for population genetic studies. Considerable levels of observed heterozygosity were recorded (HO= 0.724), with ≈ 90% of the variability being detected within populations. A low level of selfing (14%) was suggested to be the principal cause of excess homozygosity in a number of populations (overallFIS= 0.073). This study showed low levels of inbreeding in certain populations as well as a significant isolation‐by‐distance model. Only two groups of populations (Queensland and New South Wales) constituted different genetic provenances as a result of geographical isolation. TheM. alternifoliadata suggest that microsatellite loci did not always arise by a stepwise mutation process but that larger jumps in allele size may be involved in their evolution.