Distribution Mapping and Diversity Assessment of Ilex venulosa from Meghalaya Using Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions, matK and rbcL

The genus Ilex belongs to the family, Aquifoliaceae, which constitutes almost 600 species. Of these, 22 species have been recorded in India and 8 species in Meghalaya. Ilex venulosa is a dioecious shrub which has been reported from Meghalaya. It is a deciduous tree which has been found to grow between 1200 and 1700 mean sea level. Ilex serves as food to the numerous species of birds and other wild animals. It also has utility as firewood, ornamentals and medicine. I. venulosa is an elegant tree with grey bark, serrate leaves and red fruits. It is an endangered tree endemic to Meghalaya. Natural propagation is unusual as the seeds fail to germinate because of incomplete and rudimentary embryos. Hence, the present study aims to generate a distribution map of this species and thereby assess the genetic diversity of I. venulosa. Using the available data, primary survey and ENM (Ecological niche modelling) predictions revealed potential habitats with high accuracy. Thereby, the study unravelled the patterns of distribution mapping of I. venulosa in Meghalaya. Based on our survey, five new sites of I. venulosa viz., Lad Mawphlang (91.749567N, 25.37485E) with 6 individuals have been identified. These included Lad Mawphlang (91.749567N, 25.37485E), Swer (91.802167N, 25.405317E), Pomlum (91.874017N, 25.411467E), Langkyrdem (91.8925N, 25.357433E) and Mawkajem (91.891931N, 25.346225E). The genetic diversity within the species from two population sites belonging to Sohra and Pynursla region, using the nuclear ITS region, matK and rbcL revealed a very low level of genetic diversity within I. venulosa. Populations of I. venulosa from the Pynursla region showed a relatively higher level of diversity than those from the Sohra region. Assessment of genetically diverse populations has been selected to improve the improvised populations, thus reducing the probability of genetic drift with diverse germplasms and allowing them to propagate and increase in number through natural regeneration.