Diversidade e estrutura genética espacial de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. em áreas de floresta nativa e em restauração

Abstract

The knowledge of genetic diversity and its distribution in space is an important tool in the establishment, management and genetic conservation of ecosystems, as it has a strong correlation with the species' ability to adapt and with the maintenance of the areas in the long term, which are essential mechanisms for restoration effective ecological. The aim of this study was to evaluate diversity and spatial genetic structure of adult and regenerating individuals of C. langsdorffii in nine areas, four of which were native forests (reference ecosystems) and five areas under restoration. The areas are located near Camargos Hydroelectric Power Plant reservoir, in Nazareno and Itutinga municipalities, in Minas Gerais. Genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure were evaluated by genotyping 384 individuals, using eight microsatellite loci specific for C. langsdorffii. In total, 195 alleles were found and all loci used were highly polymorphic. Genetic diversity (He) was high both in regenerating individuals and in adults from native and under restoration areas. The average number of alleles per locus (A) was higher in regenerating individuals, in both types of areas, than in adults. The Analysis of Molecular Variance indicates that the majority of genetic diversity (96%) occurs within sampled areas. There was no correlation between genetic and geographic distance (r = 0.324) and no genetic bottlenecks were identified in any of the sampled areas. A Bayesian analysis indicated that genetic diversity is distributed into two genetic groups (K = 2). Spatial genetic structuring was observed in juvenile individuals of reference ecosystems and areas under recovery. High genetic diversity indicated that gene flow is occurring between these areas. Our results showed that forest restoration can reestablish genetically conserved populations. Studies in other generations can infer whether these areas will manage to maintain or increase genetic diversity in the future.