The pattern of genetic diversity within Litsea coreana (Lauraceae) in China: an implication for conservation.

Based on three chloroplast markers ( psbA- trnH, trnL- trnF, and trnT- trnL), we identified eight haplotypes in 23 samples of Litsea coreana collected from seven provinces across southern and southwestern China. The Hap6 was the most widely distributed haplotype. The genetic diversity was highest in Sichuan Province and its adjacent regions. Therefore, these regions should be areas of priority for conservation of L. coreana in the future. In addition, our molecular dating analyses indicated that the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and past climate changes accounted for the diversification of L. coreana in China. Finally, we found that the chemical components of L. coreana were significantly affected by both collection time and postharvest handling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]