Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of the Endemic Species Prunus Mira in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

The study on Prunus mira in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, involving 577 individuals from 32 populations, reveals significant genetic diversity and structure, with 22 chloroplast haplotypes identified. The genetic diversity is higher between populations (HT = 0.924) than within them (HS = 0.102), indicating substantial variation due to geographic isolation. Two main genetic lineages correspond to the Yarlung Zangbo River and Hengduan Mountain regions. The research suggests three glacial refugia and emphasizes the importance of conservation strategies that include both in situ and ex situ measures, focusing on populations with high genetic diversity and unique haplotypes to preserve genetic variation and ensure the species' sustainability.