Population-genetics analysis of the brown trout broodstock in the “Panjica” hatchery (Serbia) and its conservation applications

Abstract

Artificial propagation and stocking of brown trout is a standard practice in recreational fishery management. In recent decades, the importance of maintaining intraspecific diversity and protecting locally adapted lineages has been recognized for the species' long-term survival. The first step in selecting donors for stocking involves distinguishing native trout from non-native and introgressed individuals. The established method for discerning Atlantic hatchery strains from the wild populations involves genetic screening of individual diagnostic SNPs and microsatellite assignment tests. This study, using Serbia's Panjica hatchery as an example, illustrates the proper conduct of routine genetic screening for identifying suitable donors for supportive stocking. The broodstock and reference populations were screened using mtDNA control region, LDH nuclear gene, and 12 microsatellite loci to assess the origin, diversity, and inbreeding levels. The analysis revealed only moderate contamination with Atlantic trout and showed the regional origin of the Danubian genes – over 50% of the broodstock was composed of non-introgressed Danubian individuals tracing their origin to the Zapadna Morava River system. Additionally, the study highlighted a considerable discordance between LDH locus and microsatellites in identifying introgressed individuals, raising concerns about the sole reliance on LDH locus for the identification of Atlantic genetic origin in nuclear DNA.