Genetic comparison between Victorian and Tasmanian populations of Prasophyllum correctum D.L. Jones (Orchidaceae) suggests separate species

Abstract

Genetic variation within and between Tasmanian and Victorian populations of the Gaping Leek Orchid Prasophyllum correctum (Orchidaceae) was investigated using the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. The degree of fixed genetic differences between the two populations was substantial, suggesting that each population constitutes a different species. The Tasmanian population contained very little genetic variation, indicating that asexual reproduction or self-fertilisation may be the predominant reproductive mode, but this population does not appear to be clonal. Individuals from the Victorian population exhibited high levels of genetic variation relative to those from the Tasmanian population These findings suggest that the Victorian and Tasmanian P. correctum populations ought to be managed separately, and cross-pollination or translocation should be avoided, because of the lack of genctic similarity between them.