Application of Phylogenetic Approaches for Sturgeon Hybrids Identification

Many different interspecific hybrids have already been described inside the order Acipenseriformes in nature as well as in captivity. Such interspecific hybridization represents one of the most rapid genetic threats for endangered sturgeon species mainly via outbreeding depression. In light of this, appropriate identification of species and their hybrids is essential for the management and conservation of biological diversity as well as for aquaculture purposes. In the present study we confirmed that a combination of suitable microsatellite markers with appropriate statistical approaches originally used for population genetics might represent reliable molecular tool for sturgeon hybrids identification. Seven microsatellite markers were analyzed in Acipenser ruthenus, A. baerii, A. gueldenstaedtii, Huso huso and their experimentally produced interspecific hybrids. Subsequent computation and graphical representation of genetic distances showed high discriminatory rate among analyzed species and their hybrids. Similarly, multi-locus genotype assignation in STRUCTURE confirmed that pure individuals strongly referred to their corresponding species while hybrids clustered separately. The correspondence between morphological determination and molecular assignation provides useful tool for sturgeon species and hybrids identification but availability of sufficient data on pure reference species is essential for appropriate validation of obtained results. 

Study was supported in part by GACR14-28375P, GACR14-02940S, CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0049 and LO1205.