Comparative Analysis of the Genetic Diversity in Piptadenia gonoacantha Detected By AFLP and SSR Markers

Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the richest rainforests in biodiversity worldwide. Actions for strategic conservation of the natural vegetation should be associated with forest restoration, so that the continuity of this rich biota can be ensured. So far, forest restoration projects carried out in Brazil have been exclusively focused on searching floristic diversity, contemplating low genetic diversity. The approach has created many problems concerning the biological viability of plant communities. Piptadenia gonoacantha (Fabaceae) is a secondary initial arboreal species exhibiting rapid growth, and it is often recommended for reforestation of degraded areas intended for permanent preservation. Eleven microsatellite markers and eight AFLP primer combinations were used to access the genetic diversity of the species. The species was evaluated in two areas under forest restoration processes (Cosmópolis and Iracemápolis), in comparison to two locations of natural remnants of semideciduous seasonal forest (Mata Santa Genebra and Caetetus) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We used AFLP data to identify candidate loci for ecological adaptation in restoration processes, using the F_SToutlier method. No gene flow was detected among populations and low genetic diversity was detected. The mean number of alleles per locus was 2.86. Analyses of both markers showed that there is greater genetic diversity in the remaining natural areas than in the areas undergoing reforestation. Measures of genetic enrichment can assist in increasing the genetic variability of areas undergoing reforestation processes and, consequently, improve plant fitness.