Spatial genetic structure of natural populations of Ramorinoa girolae (chica), an endemical endangered xerophyte tree from San Juan province (Argentina).

ORTIZ NOELIA; GIANNONI STELLA; PAZ ROSALIA CRISTINA

Foz de Iguazú

Congreso; International Plant Molecular Biology Congress; 2015

Sociedade Brasileira de Genética

The ?chica?, Ramorinoa girolae Speg., is an endemic native tree species from Argentinian xerophyte flora with ahigh ecological value due to the biological interactions established within their community. Locally, it is considered an appreciated forest resource owing to their fruits (that represent a substantial basis of the diet of local communities) and its timber (one of the hardest woods of the country). Furthermore, the ?chica? was ranged 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 only). There is limited information concerning the status of genetic diversity of the species and their dominant propagation system (sexual vs. asexual). Thereby, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 21 individuals from a natural population located in protected area of Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Valle Fértil, San Juan, Argentina) using AFLP molecular markers. This genetic data was correlated with morphometric, ecological and geographical data. Our results suggests that this population exhibited a high genetic diversity (Pj=82,3%). These values were correlated with geographical matrices, reveling that this population of ?chica? exhibited spatial genetic structure (Mantel Test R2=0.45, p<0.001). In addition, values of genetic similarity between the different analyzed individuals revealed the absence of clones, suggesting that a significant contribution of genetic variability product of sexual reproduction in the population studied. It should benoted that this population is the most numerous and diverse withinIschigualasto Provincial Park, which emphasizes the importance of its conservation. Funding: SAyDS N° 1300-2304-11-PC.