Abstract
We examined ways to maintain and restore the genetic diversity of a residual Primula sieboldii population in the Arakawa Basin, i.e., the Ageo population. A previous study suggested that this population was vulnerable genetically because it comprised nine short-styled genets and one long-styled one. Using eight SSR markers, we detected the ten known genets and a new genet with white petals from 70 samples in this study. Parent analysis showed that the parents of the new genet existed in the Ageo population, based on the genotypes of 31 SSR markers. Under natural conditions, 5.5 seeds were produced per flower, while artificial pollination increased this number more than three-fold. We could not find P. sieboldii seedlings from the soil seed bank. The assignment test revealed that the long-styled genet grown ex situ originated from the Ageo population with high probability and was the best candidate for introduction into the Ageo population. In conclusion, artificial pollination among the existing genets in the Ageo population is the most effective method for maintaining and restoring genetic diversity, and the introduction of the long-styled genet should also be effective.
