Conservation genetics of bush mango from central/west Africa: implications from random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis.

Genetic variation was assessed in the two bush mango species, Irvingia gabonensis and I. wombolu, valuable multipurpose fruit trees from central and west Africa that are currently undergoing domestication. A total of 130 individuals sampled from Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon were analysed using 74 random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Significant genetic integrity was found in the two morphologically similar species (among-species analysis of molecular variance [AMOVA] variance component 25.8%, P < 0.001), with no evidence of hybridization, even between individuals from areas of sympatry where hybridization was considered probable. Results suggest that large-scale transplantation of either species into new habitats will probably not lead to genetic introgression from or into the other species. Therefore, subsequent cultivation of the two species should not be hindered by this consideration, although further studies on the potential for hybridization/introgression between these species would be prudent. Significant genetic differentiation of both species (among-countries within species, nested AMOVA variance component 9.8%, P < 0.001) was observed over the sampled regions, and genetic similarity of samples decreased significantly with increasing geographical distance, according to number of alleles in common (NAC) analysis. 'Hot spots' of genetic diversity were found clustered in southern Nigeria and southern Cameroon for I. wombolu, and in southern Nigeria, southern Cameroon and central Gabon for I. gabonensis. The possible reasons for this distribution of genetic variation are discussed, but it may reflect evolutionary history, as these populations occur in areas of postulated Pleistocene refugia. The application of these results to domestication programmes and, in the light of extensive deforestation in the region, conservation approaches, is discussed.

Genetic diversity in mesoamerican populations of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), assessed using RAPDs

Swietenia macrophylla King, a timber species native to tropical America, is threatened by selective logging and deforestation. To quantify diversity within the species and monitor the impact of selective logging, populations were sampled across Mesoamerica, from Mexico to Panama, and analysed for RAPD DNA variation. Ten decamer primers generated 102 polymorphic RAPD bands and pairwise distances were calculated between populations according to Nei, then used to construct a radial neighbour-joining dendrogram and examine intra- and interpopulation variance coefficients, by analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA). Populations from Mexico clustered closely together in the dendrogram and were distinct from the rest of the populations. Those from Belize also clustered closely together. Populations from Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras, however, did not cluster closely by country but were more widely scattered throughout the dendrogram. This result was also reflected by an autocorrelation analysis of genetic and geographical distance. Genetic diversity estimates indicated that 80 percent of detected variation was maintained within populations and regression analysis demonstrated that logging significantly decreased population diversity (P=0.034). This study represents one of the most wide-ranging surveys of molecular variation within a tropical tree species to date. It offers practical information for the future conservation of mahogany and highlights some factors that may have influenced the partitioning of genetic diversity in this species across Mesoamerica.(Au)

Genetic diversity in mesoamerican populations of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), assessed using RAPDs.

Swietenia macrophylla King, a timber species native to tropical America, is threatened by selective logging and deforestation. To quantify genetic diversity within the species and monitor the impact of selective logging, populations were sampled across Mesoamerica, from Mexico to Panama, and analysed for RAPD DNA variation. Ten decamer primers generated 102 polymorphic RAPD bands and pairwise distances were calculated between populations according to Nei, then used to construct a radial neighbour-joining dendrogram and examine intra- and interpopulation variance coefficients, by analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA). Populations from Mexico clustered closely together in the dendrogram and were distinct from the rest of the populations. Those from Belize also clustered closely together. Populations from Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras, however, did not cluster closely by country but were more widely scattered throughout the dendrogram. This result was also reflected by an autocorrelation analysis of genetic and geographical distance. Genetic diversity estimates indicated that 80% of detected variation was maintained within populations and regression analysis demonstrated that logging significantly decreased population diversity (P = 0.034). This study represents one of the most wide-ranging surveys of molecular variation within a tropical tree species to date. It offers practical information for the future conservation of mahogany and highlights some factors that may have influenced the partitioning of genetic diversity in this species across Mesoamerica.