Abstract

ORTIZ, Noelia R; GIANNONI, Stella M  and  PAZ, Rosalía C. Spatial genetic structure and genetic diversity of a natural population of Ramorinoa girolae in San Juan province (Argentina): An exploratory analysis. Ecol. austral [online]. 2018, vol.28, n.3, pp.513-524. ISSN 1667-782X.

Ramorinoa girolae Speg. (chica) is an endemic tree species which belongs to the Argentinian xerophyte flora. This species constitutes an appreciated forest resource for local people due to its fruits (a substantial basis of the diet of local communities) and its timber (one of the hardest woods). Moreover, chica was pointed as a vulnerable species because it is a monotypic species with low abundance and a very restricted endemism (San Juan, San Luis and La Rioja provinces). There is limited information concerning the status of genetic diversity of the species. For this, we performed an exploratory analysis to characterize the genetic diversity of a natural population located near Ischigualasto Provincial Park (San Juan, Argentina) using AFLP molecular markers in 19 individuals. The genetic data were correlated with morphometric, ecological and geographical data. Our results suggest that this population exhibited a high genetic diversity (Pj=82.3%). These values also were correlated with geographical matrices, revealing that this population exhibited a particular spatial genetic structure (SGS; Mantel Test r=0.45, P<0.001) and spatial autocorrelation. In addition, values of genetic similarity among the different analyzed individuals revealed the absence of clones, suggesting a significant contribution of genetic variability due to sexual reproduction in the studied population.

Keywords : Tree endemic specie; Desert Monte; Genetic polymorphism; AFLP molecular markers.

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