Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Chimaphila japonica in Southern Part of Korea

Enzyme electrophoresis was used to estimate genetic diversity and population structure of Chimaphila japonica Miq. in Korea. The percent of polymorphic loci within the enzymes was 48.7%. Genetic diversity at the species level and at the population level was high (Hes=0.278 ; Hep=0.222, respectively), whereas the extent of the population divergence was relatively low ( =0.079). , a measure of the deviation from random mating within the 7 populations, was 0.355. An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation (Nm=2.61) indicates that gene flow is high among Korean populations of the species. In addition, analysis of fixation indices revealed a substantial heterozygosity deficiency in some populations and at some loci. Factors contributing to the high levels of genetic dive-rsity found in the entire species of C. japonica include wide distribution, long-lived perennials, ability to regenerate due to rhizomatous spread, outcrossing induced by animal vectors, and occasional pollen dispersal by wind.