Genetic diversity and in situ conservation of wild soybeans

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This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic structure and diversity of natural populations of wild soybean, Glycine soja, and to obtain basic information on in situ conservation of the species. The results obtained were summarized as follows.1). Fifty-eight populations, which were collected in three geographically separate regions of Far-east Russia, were analyzed for the variation at 16 isozyme loci. The populations in the northern limit of distribution area of this species showed a limited genetic variability, whereas those inside cities and those in the upper region of the Usury River and the Vladivostok region had relatively high variability. The degree of genetic diversity was not necessarily associated with the size of populations and plant density.2). In China, populations that were located in the southern limit and the center of the distribution area were examined for ecological features of habitats. In the southern limit, populations were conserved under a balance between the degree of disturbance by weeding and grazing by domestic animals and restoration of natural habitat. The grazing seemed to have provided safe sites for wild soybeans.3). Some degree of disturbances may be of necessity to conserve and manage populations of plant species which are frequently subject to disturbance such as wild soybeans. A further study is needed to evaluate a dynamics of change in genetic structure and diversity that are affected by disturbances. Such information may be helpful to construct a strategy of in situ conservation for wild soybeans.