Microsatellite DNA Marker Analysis of Genetic Variation in Wild and Hatchery Populations of Caspian Kutum (Rutilus kutum)

Özet

Rutilus kutum, is a commercially important species inhabiting the Caspian Sea. As the wild stocks of Caspian kutumhave decreased in recent years, restocking the wild populations is implemented through releasing the hatchery producedindividuals into the nature. Here, 10 microsatellite loci were applied to investigate the genetic diversity of hatchery and wildpopulations of R. kutum in the southeastern parts of the Caspian Sea. Totally 105 alleles were detected, with some of thembeing unique to each population. The number of alleles ranged from 4 to 16. The mean values of the observed and expectedheterozygosity were 0.772 and 0.797, respectively. No significant differences (P>0.05) in genetic diversity were observedbetween the wild and hatchery populations. In most cases, significant genetic disequilibrium was detected after Bonferronicorrection, mainly due to the heterozygote deficiency. Low genetic differentiation and close genetic relationship were detectedamong the studied populations. Our results are anticipated to provide essential data in establishing more efficient strategies forappropriate management and conservation of Caspian kutum populations during restocking programs.