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Genetic diversity and structure of natural and managed populations of Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA
Author(s) -
RenauMorata Begoña,
Nebauer Sergio G.,
Sales Ester,
Allainguillaume Joel,
Caligari Peter,
Segura Juan
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.3732/ajb.92.5.875
Subject(s) - biology , pinaceae , analysis of molecular variance , genetic diversity , rapd , genetic variation , population , context (archaeology) , ecology , genetic structure , evolutionary biology , zoology , botany , pinus <genus> , genetics , demography , gene , paleontology , sociology
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 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 .