Spatial genetic structure reveals migration directionality in Mediterranean Ruppia spiralis (Western Sicily)

Mediterranean salinas, originally built for salt production, function as alternative wetlands. A variety of accompanying lagoon, ditch, and marsh systems are suitable habitats for salt-tolerant submerged macrophytes and often characterized by monospecific beds of Ruppia. Traditionally, birds are considered the main dispersal vector of submerged macrophytes. However, Ruppia spiralis habitats are under marine influence and therefore interference of coastal currents in their connectivity might be expected. In this study, we aim to infer connectivity and spatial patterns from population genetic structures. Using nuclear microsatellite loci, the nuclear ribosomal cistron and chloroplast sequence…