Distribution and genetic diversity of Gueldenstaedtia verna in Korea

초록

Gueldenstaedtia verna is widely distributed across temperate Asia but has been historically documented as rare and geographically isolated within South Korea, primarily restricted to the Daegu region. Understanding the genetic diversity and phylogenetic rela tionships of South Korean individuals is essential for elucidating the evolutionary implica tions of their geographic isolation. To investigate these aspects, we conducted ecological field surveys and genetic analyses. New localities were identified outside the previously known range, notably in Daejeon (central South Korea) and additional locations in Gyeo ngsangnam-do, significantly expanding the documented distribution. Genetic analyses using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and plastid markers (psbA-trnH, trnL-F) revealed no genetic variation among South Korean individuals. Phylogenetic analyses based on these markers confirmed that Korean individuals were part of a monophyletic group of the genus Gueldenstaedtia and are genetically identical to individuals of G. verna from Shandong, Shaanxi, Hebei and Gansu in China. Comparative plastid genome (plastome) analyses between individuals from Daejeon and Daegu revealed genetic differentiation, including 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 29 indels, predominantly located in inter genic spacer regions [psbA-psbK and trnT(UGU)-trnL(UAA)]. The newly identified locali ties, often associated with lawn turf habitats, suggest possible human-mediated dispersal related to turf transplantation practices. The plastome variations uncovered here provide important genetic markers for future phylogeographic and conservation research on this rare species in South Korea.

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