Genetic diversity of Belarusian populations of Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. (Orchidaceae)

The article presents the results of a study of the genetic diversity of Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. populations using molecular iPBS markers. Samples for analysis were selected from six populations located at the southern border of the species’ range in the Grodno, Minsk, and Vitebsk regions of Belarus. The findings indicate that higher levels of genetic diversity are associated with populations that exhibit larger areas, greater numbers of plants, and potentially older ages of the population itself. The predominance of intrapopulation genetic diversity (74 %), as well as a low level of gene flow, indicate that genetic drift significantly affects the formation of the genetic structure of L. loeselii. The obtained data generally indicate a low adaptive potential of L. loeselii. Сonsequently, an unfavorable forecast for its conservation in the wild is provided, taking into account the current climate dynamics, as well as successional changes occurring within the bog biotopes.