CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR PARA CARACTERIZAÇÃO, CONSERVAÇÃO E USO DO GÊNERO Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract

The genetic-molecular knowledge of the species that present relevance as a natural resource is fundamental for the elaboration of strategies of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Molecular markers are important tools for obtaining relative genetic data from population estimates to identification of genomic regions associated with phenotypic characteristics. The aim of this study was to present an overview of the available knowledge in the literature on the application of molecular markers for the study of species of the genus Croton, indicating both the main gaps and perspectives regarding the available molecular tools and its application in the understanding of the genus, aiming at the conservation and use of these species. For that, searches were made on databases (indexers) of scientific publications. In summary, genetic studies with the application of molecular markers were restricted to seven species of Croton spp., corresponding to less than 1% of the species of the genus, and most dominant molecular markers were used, a fact that limits the possibility of authors to broaden their discussions and conclusions. The data presented indicate the lack of knowledge regarding the genetic characteristics and the population genetic structure for Croton spp.. Consequently, this reality testifies to a set of opportunities for conducting new research that contributes to the characterization and use of this biodiversity.