Genetic diversity analysis and population structure of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) in Pearl river, Yangtze river and Heilongjiang river using microsatellite DNA markers.

backgroundThe Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is widely distributed throughout the major rivers and lakes of the Yangtze, Pearl, and Heilongjiang River basins. However, its wild populations have experienced a substantial decline in recent decades. An analysis of the genetic diversity of wild grass carp from the three river can provide essential data, serving as a crucial foundation for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this species. METHODS AND

resultsThis study assessed the genetic diversity of grass carp populations from three river basins using seven microsatellite loci. The results revealed that the population from the Pearl River exhibited the highest level of genetic diversity, followed by those from the Heilongjiang River and the Yangtze River, which showed the lowest diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 96% of the genetic variation resided within individuals, while pairwise Fst values ranged from 0.018 to 0.051, suggesting a moderate but significant genetic differentiation among the populations from the three river systems.

conclusionsThe grass carp populations from the three river basins were not segregated into distinct phylogenetic clades, suggesting persistent genetic links. Our findings offer a scientific basis for their conservation. Further longitudinal studies focusing on the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers are warranted to fully understand their population dynamics and evolutionary history.