Genetic diversity and structure of natural and managed populations of Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA

Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) is a large and exceptionally long-lived conifer native to the Rif and Atlas Mountains of North Africa. To assess levels and patterns of genetic diversity of this species, samples were obtained throughout the natural range in Morocco and from a forest plantation in Arbúci...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of botany 2005-05, Vol.92 (5), p.875-884
Main Authors: Renau-Morata, Begoña, Nebauer, Sergio G, Sales, Ester, Allainguillaume, Joel, Caligari, Peter, Segura, Juan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cedrus atlantica
Datasets
DNA
Ecological genetics
Evolutionary genetics
forest plantations
forest trees
forests
Genetic diversity
genetic markers
Genetic variation
geographical distribution
Morocco
Pinaceae
Population Biology
Population genetics
Population geography
Population parameters
Population structure
random amplified polymorphic DNA technique
RAPD
Spain
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Summary:Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) is a large and exceptionally long-lived conifer native to the Rif and Atlas Mountains of North Africa. To assess levels and patterns of genetic diversity of this species, samples were obtained throughout the natural range in Morocco and from a forest plantation in Arbúcies, Girona (Spain) and analyzed using RAPD markers. Within-population genetic diversity was high and comparable to that revealed by isozymes. Managed populations harbored levels of genetic variation similar to those found in their natural counterparts. Genotypic analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) found that most variation was within populations, but significant differentiation was also found between populations, particularly in Morocco. Bayesian estimates of F[subscript ST] corroborated the AMOVA partitioning and provided evidence for population differentiation in C. atlantica. Both distance- and Bayesian-based clustering methods revealed that Moroccan populations comprise two genetically distinct groups. Within each group, estimates of population differentiation were close to those previously reported in other gymnosperms. These results are interpreted in the context of the postglacial history of the species and human impact. The high degree of among-group differentiation recorded here highlights the need for additional conservation measures for some Moroccan populations of C. atlantica.
ISSN:0002-9122
1537-2197
DOI:10.3732/ajb.92.5.875