Genetic characterization of 12 heterologous microsatellite markers for the giant tropical tree Cariniana legalis (Lecythidaceae)

Twelve microsatellite loci previously developed in the tropical tree Cariniana estrellensis were genetically characterized in Cariniana legalis. Polymorphisms were assessed in 28 C. legalis individuals found between the Pardo and Mogi-Guaçu River basins in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Of the 12 loci, 10 were polymorphic and exhibited Mendelian inheritance. The allelic richness at each locus ranged from 2-11, with an average of 7 alleles per locus, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.07-0.88. These loci showed a high probability of paternity exclusion. The characteristics of these heterologous microsatellite markers indicate that they are suitable tools for investigating questions concerning population genetics in C. legalis

High levels of genetic differentiation and selfing in the Brazilian cerrado fruit tree Dipteryx alata Vog. (Fabaceae)

Dipteryx alata is a native fruit tree species of the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) that has great economic potential because of its multiple uses. Knowledge of how the genetic variability of this species is organized within and among populations would be useful for genetic conservation and breeding programs. We used nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers developed for Dipteryx odorata to evaluate the genetic structure of three populations of D. alata located in central Brazil based on a leaf sample analysis from 101 adults. The outcrossing rate was evaluated using 300 open-pollinated offspring from 25 seed-trees. Pollen dispersal was measured by parentage analysis. We used spatial genetic structure (SGS) to test the minimal distance for harvesting seeds in conservation and breeding programs. Our data indicate that the populations studied had a high degree of genetic diversity and population structure, as suggested by the high level of divergence among populations . The estimated outcrossing rate suggested a mixed mating system, and the intrapopulation fixation index was influenced by SGS. We conclude that seed harvesting for genetic conservation and breeding programs requires a minimum distance between trees of 196 m to avoid collecting seeds from related seed-trees

High genetic diversity in a potentially vulnerable tropical tree species despite extreme habitat loss

10.1371/journal.pone.0082632PLoS ONE812-POLN

Gene diversity in grevillea populations introduced in Brazil and its implication on management of genetic resources.

A variabilidade isoenzimática para seis populações de Grevillea robusta, oriundas de um teste de procedências/progenies, implantado no delineamento em blocos casualizados com 5 plantas por parcela, no Sul do Brasil, é descrita. A estrutura genética da população foi analisada utilizando-se marcadores bioquímicos, aos 5 anos de idade, especificamente para os locos MDH-3, PGM-2, DIA-2, PO-1, PO-2, SOD-1, e SKDH-1. As procedências do norte de ocorrência natural (Rathdowney e Woodenbong) apresentaram divergência genética superior, em relação à média das progênies, considerando o número de alelos por locus, (Ap), a riqueza alélica (Rs), a diversidade genética de Nei (H), e o coeficiente de endogamia (f). A endogamia foi detectada em diversos graus. A testemunha comercial apresentou o maior coeficiente de endogamia, (f = 0,4448), comparativamente à média das procedências (f = 0,2306), possivelmente devido à insuficiente amostragem populacional na região de origem (Austrália). Apesar de sua ocorrência natural restrita, observou-se correlação positiva entre divergência genética e distância geográfica entre as populações originais. A distância genética e análise de cluster, baseada no modelo bayesiano, mostrou três grupos de procedências distintos: 1) Rathdowney- QLD e Woodenbong-QLD; 2) Paddy?s Flat-NSW; e 3) Mann River-NSW, Boyd River-NSW e a testemunha comercial (material utilizado no Brasil). O agrupamento da testemunha com as procedências Mann River-NSW e Boyd River-NSW sugere um maior potencial das procedências do norte para o melhoramento genético visando à produção de madeira no Brasil, devido a sua elevada diversidade genética e baixo coeficiente de endogamia

Using molecular markers to investigate genetic diversity, mating system and gene flow of Neotropical trees

Genetic analysis provides a robust method for understanding the ways in which human interventions in ecosystems may affect genetic diversity and species survival, providing an empirical basis for evidence-based conservation and management planning. This review aims to (1) describe the most informative and widely used molecular markers for genotype analysis, and describe the methods for using that genotype data to understand (2) genetic diversity and structure; and (3) mating system, pollen and seed dispersal. For each area of investigation, we discuss the types of analyses that can be performed, the software available for the analyses, what the analyses indicate, and provide examples from the literature of studies using these approaches. The review focuses on Neotropical tree species because Neotropical forests are highly diverse and are under particular threat from anthropogenic land-use change, and trees are useful model organisms to investigate patterns over evolutionary time and across geographical space

Using molecular markers to investigate genetic diversity, mating system and gene flow of Neotropical trees

Genetic analysis provides a robust method for understanding the ways in which human interventions in ecosystems may affect genetic diversity and species survival, providing an empirical basis for evidence-based conservation and management planning. This review aims to (1) describe the most informative and widely used molecular markers for genotype analysis, and describe the methods for using that genotype data to understand (2) genetic diversity and structure; and (3) mating system, pollen and seed dispersal. For each area of investigation, we discuss the types of analyses that can be performed, the software available for the analyses, what the analyses indicate, and provide examples from the literature of studies using these approaches. The review focuses on Neotropical tree species because Neotropical forests are highly diverse and are under particular threat from anthropogenic land-use change, and trees are useful model organisms to investigate patterns over evolutionary time and across geographical space