Godoy et al. 2023 (Article) Aechmea

Genetic diversity and population structure of Aechmea distichantha (Bromeliaceae), a widely geographically distributed species in South America

Author(s):—F.M.R. Godoy, L. Vicente-Silva, M.V. Dantas-Queiroz, C. Palma-Silva & G.M. Paggi

Publication:—Plant Systematics and Evolution 309(1): 1-15 (online). (2023) — DOI

Abstract:—Aechmea distichantha Lemaire (Bromeliaceae) is an epiphytic, rupicolous or terricolous bromeliad, with a wide geographical distribution in the Cerrado, Chaco, and Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domains in South America. In this study, a plastidial DNA region and ten nuclear microsatellite markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure of nine populations of Aechmea distichantha from Brazil. Our results revealed that A. distichantha has low-to-moderate plastidial genetic diversity and moderate-to-high nuclear genetic diversity. In addition, a high genetic structure was observed among the A. distichantha populations in both genomes, suggesting restricted gene flow via seed and pollen. The high genetic differentiation found among A. distichantha populations in different geographical locations might be a consequence of its mixed reproductive system and restricted gene flow. The findings of the present study, with the unique genetic composition of most populations, suggests that in situ conservation is the most appropriate protection measure for these plant populations.

Keywords:—Atlantic Forest, Brazil, Bromeliad, Cerrado, Chaco, Microsatellite markers