The genetic structure and mating system of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae)

Acrocomia aculeata is a perennial, fruit-producing palm tree, native to tropical forests. Its fruits have spurred interest because of their significant potential for use in the cosmetic industry and as feedstock for biofuel. In the present study, the genetic structure and mating system in Acrocomia aculeata were analyzed, using eight nuclear microsatellite loci and samples from São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, Brazil. By means of Bayesian analysis, these populations were clustered into two or three groups. A high multilocus outcrossing rate suggests that outcrosses were predominant, although a certain degree of biparental inbreeding also occurred. Thus, although monoecious and self-compatible, there is every indication that A. aculeata bears a mixed reproductive system, with a predominance of outcrossing. Given the genetic structure revealed hereby, future conservation strategies and germplasm collecting should be focussed on sampling and preserving individuals from different clusters.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Abreu,Aluana Gonçalves, Priolli,Regina Helena Geribello, Azevedo-Filho,Joaquim Adelino, Nucci,Stella Maris, Zucchi,Maria Imaculada, Coelho,Ricardo Marques, Colombo,Carlos Augusto
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Genética 2012
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1415-47572012000100016
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!