Mating system and intrapopulational genetic diversity of Copernicia prunifera (Arecaceae): a native palm from Brazilian semiarid

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mating system and genetic diversity of the palm Copernicia prunifera using inter-simple sequence repeat markers. We found that the C. prunifera has multiple inflorescences with hermaphroditic flowers and pollen viability of 62%. Outcrossing rates at the population level (N = 267) produced a multilocus outcrossing rate (t) of 0.878 and a single-locus outcrossing rate (t) of 0.738, indicating that C. prunifera has a mixed mating system that is preferentially allogamous. The rate of mating among relatives (t - t) was low, indicating limited outcrossing between closely related individuals. The fixation index between seed trees (F) was negative (0.200), suggesting an absence of inbreeding, while the correlation of selfing (r) was high (0.914). The values of the diversity indices among adults and progenies did not differ statistically (H = 0.319 and I = 0.470; H = 0.337 and I = 0.505, respectively). In testing for the presence of genetic bottlenecks using the infinite allele model and the stepwise mutation model, we observed a reduction in the effective population, as well as a deficit in heterozygosity (P < 0.0001). The results of this study inform management strategies for the conservation and genetic improvement of the C. prunifera palm.

Population genomics of the neotropical palm Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore: Implications for conservation

“…H. E. Moore (Arecaceae; subfamily: Coryphoideae), known as carnaúba, generally forms monodominant populations known as “carnaubais” [ 4 ]. The species has multiple inflorescences, which are made up of yellowish and hermaphroditic flowers [ 5 ]. Flowering is more intense between November and February, and the fruiting period is between January and March [ 6 ].…”

“…Flowering is more intense between November and February, and the fruiting period is between January and March [ 6 ]. Fruits are likely dispersed by sanhaçu-do-coqueiro ( Tangara palmarum ) [ 5 ].…”

Características biométricas dos frutos e das sementes da palmeira Copernicia prunifera (Arecaceae)

“…A cadeia produtiva e a exploração da carnaúba consistem no conjunto de atividades econômicas que utilizam o estipe, as folhas, o pecíolo, o fruto, as raízes e, principalmente, a cera de carnaúba (SOUSA et al, 2015). A espécie apresenta flores hermafroditas e a produção de frutos maduros ocorre entre os meses de novembro e abril, tendo como principais dispersores o pássaro sanhaçu do coqueiro (Tangara palmarum) (SILVA et al, 2017) e os morcegos (SOUSA et al, 2015).…”

Overexploitation and anthropogenic disturbances threaten the genetic diversity of an economically important neotropical palm

“…The production value of its wax and fibers brings in more than $55 million per year, according to the official government data (IBGE 2018). The species presents multiple inflorescences, which are made up of yellowish and hermaphroditic flowers (Silva et al 2017). Flowering is subannual, with greater intensity between November and February and ripe fruits between January and March (Rocha et al 2015).…”

“…Flowering is subannual, with greater intensity between November and February and ripe fruits between January and March (Rocha et al 2015). The flowers are visited by insects like the irapuá bee (Trigona spinipes) and the maribondo-caboclo wasp (Polistes canadensis), and the species has a mixed mating system that is preferentially allogamous (Silva et al 2017). Fruits are likely dispersed by the palm tanager (sanhaçu-do-coqueiro; Tangara palmarum) (Silva et al 2017) and bats (Sousa et al 2015), demonstrating the relevant interactions between species (animal-plant) that need to be preserved.…”