A Study On Variation Patterns And Genetic Diversity Of Malus Hupehensis Populations

Malus hupehensis (Pamp.)Rehd. was one of important wild fruit tree resources in China. Through inspecting of more than 1000 numbers, more than 1600 copies of M. hupehensis specimens from more than 10 main herbaria(PE, NAS, NF, etc.) in China, the variation and evolution laws were initially mastered. From May to August in 2008, field investigations of 8 M. hupehensis natural populations of Shandong Province(Mt.Tai and Mt.Meng),Hubei Province(Mt. Wudang and Shennongjia), Fujian Province(Mt. Wuyi), Zhejiang Province(Mt. West Tianmu) and 3 M. mandshurica populations in the same distribution area were carried out. Primary research results were as follows:1. The geographical distribution of M. hupehensis was studied roundly and systematically, the diversification law and variation range of phenotypic characteristics along with geographical distribution were understood fully. And it was compared with its closely related species M. baccata and M. mandshurica, the main differences among three species were given.2. Through the results of DNA molecular markers the level of genetic variation and genetic structure of M. hupehensis populations was revealed. The genetic relationships among these populations were initially determined, its centers of diversity and migration routes were also deduced.3. The vertical substitution phenomenon of M. hupehensis and M. mandshurica in East China was reported for the first time, and the distribution records of the two were corrected.4. The infra-species taxonomical grades of M. hupehensis were revised comprehensively. The taxonomic status of some types was confirmed, the morphological descriptions were given, and a taxonomic key of M. hupehensis infra-species was compiled.