Genetic and population diversity of bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) in Chapada Limpa extractive reserve, Maranho State, Brazil

Landscape studies illustrate how the structure and configuration of ecological/agroecological zones influence the genetic diversity of a species. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess how landscape structure and conservation influence the genetic diversity indices of Platonia insignis Mart. (bacuri) in Chapada Limpa Extractive Reserve, Chapadinha County, Maranhao State, Brazil. The study was carried out in an extractive reserve, whose surroundings are mapped for land use and occupation, as well as for the collection of bacuri biological materials used in genetic analysis with ISSR markers. The study shows there is prevalence of good preservation state and secondary vegetation, as well as a well-preserved Cerrado area, lato sensu. Genetic differences were higher within populations (85.2%) than between populations (14.7%). According to the genetic diversity index, there was high genetic diversity and heterozygous allele richness. This may ensure population viability. Based on the present results, it is possible to say that the genetic differentiation of bacuri may have suffered direct consequences from the intensive wildfire events and/or from primary vegetation reduction.   Key words: Platonia insignis, mapping, landscape, genetic diversity.