Analysis of population structure in autotetraploid species

Population structure parameters commonly used for diploid species are reexamined for the particular case of tetrasomic inheritance (autotetraploid species). Recurrence equations that describe the evolution of identity probabilities for neutral genes in an 'island model' of population structure are derived assuming tetrasomic inheritance. The expected equilibrium value of [F.sub.ST]-is computed. In contrast to diploids, the correlation of genes between individuals within populations with respect to genes between populations ([F.sub.ST]) may vary among loci due to the particular segregation patterns expected under tetrasomic inheritance and is consequently inappropriate for estimating demographic parameters in such populations. We thus define a new parameter ([Rho]) and derive its relationship with Nm. This relationship is shown to be independent from both the selfing rate and the proportion of double reduction. Finally, the statistical procedure required to evaluate these parameters using data on gene frequencies distribution among autotetraploid populations is developed.