Comparative studies on population genetic structure of two closely related selfing and outcrossing Zingiber species in Hainan Island

How mating system impacts the genetic diversity of plants has long fascinated and puzzled evolutionary biologists. Numerous studies have shown that self-fertilising plants have less genetic diversity at both the population and species levels than outcrossers. However, the phylogenetic relationships between species and correlated ecological traits have not been accounted for in these previous studies. Here, we conduct a comparative population genetic study of two closely related selfing and outcrossing Zingiber species, with sympatric distribution in Hainan Island, and obtain a result contrary to previous studies. The results indicate that selfing Z. corallinum can maintain high genetic diversity through differentiation intensified by local adaptation in populations across the species’ range. In contrast, outcrossing Z. nudicarpum preserves high genetic diversity through gene exchange by frequent export of pollen within or among populations. Contrary to expectations, the major portion of genetic variation of outcrossing Z. nudicarpum may exist among populations, depending on the dispersal ability of pollen and seed. Our results also reveal that the main factor affecting population structure of selfing Z. corallinum is mountain ranges, followed by a moist climate, while that of outcrossing Z. nudicarpum is likely moisture, but not mountain ranges, due to gene flow via pollen.