Fine-scale spatial genetic structure, genetic diversity and spatial autocorrelation of Copaifera arenicola in an Atlantic Forest fragment
Copaíba, ISSR, coancestry, life stages
Due to the intensification of human activities, the Atlantic Forest is susceptible to fragmentation processes, causing the loss of biodiversity. This has impacts on the dispersion of genes in space, as well as on the diversity indices of the remaining populations. Therefore, in order to propose sustainable maintenance and conservation measures for the remaining species, the present objective was to evaluate the spatial genetic structure on a fine scale, the genetic diversity and the spatial distribution pattern of Copaifera arenicola [(Ducke) J. Costa e L.P. Queiroz]. Seven markers were used to characterize 249, subdivided into three life stages. The average percentage of polymorphic sites ranges from 80 to 100%. The genotypes analyzed revealed a high level of genetic diversity at the species level (h=0.27, I=043). Bayesian analysis detected a value of k = 3 for the population. The Spatial Genetic Structure (SGS) revealed a tendency for individuals to become more related. The regenerating individuals remained in the aggregation up to approximately 16 meters, thereafter continuing in complete randomness. The spatial pattern revealed aggregation for all life stages. It is recommended to avoid the spread of feelings at distances of less than 37 meters, in order to minimize the degree of kinship between individuals. Understanding and rapid responses to genetic diversity guarantee the effectiveness of conservation measures in tree species. Sustainable forest management in association with assessment of the spatial genetic structure and distribution pattern are bases that allow the continuity of population size and genetic variability in forest fragments.