Abstract
Bellamya purificata is an important medicinal value and economically farmed species in China. However, because little is known about the genetic characteristics of this species, the utilization of high-quality germplasm resources is hindered. The study examined the genetic differentiation between, and the structure of 12 B. purificata populations in Guangxi using 7 microsatellite DNA markers. High genetic diversity occurred in each population, with mean observed heterozygosity 0.655 and a mean expected heterozygosity 0.832. Analysis of molecular variance reveals genetic diversity to be greater within (95.2%) than among populations (4.8%). Genetic differentiation between populations is weak (Fst = 0.048, P < 0.001), with mixing of genetic clusters prevalent at the level of the individual. Genetic flow exists between populations (Nm = 3.084-11.778), with Longshui and Guilin populations exchanging frequently. A Mantel test reveals a low correlation between geographic and genetic distances (r = 0.2482, P < 0.071), suggesting that dispersal between neighboring populations facilitates population exchange. No significant heterozygosity excess was observed for any population (P > 0.05), indicating a lack of recent genetic bottlenecks. The results provide important genetic information for B. purificata, and data for potential germplasm discovery and aquaculture development.