AFLP markers and composition of alkaloids between populations of Annona crassiflora Mart. of Brazilian savanna

Abstract

Annona crassiflora Mart. is a native tree from Brazilian savanna, widely spread throughout this biome. Isoquinoline alkaloids are an important characteristic of species of Annonaceae and several biological activities have been reported in the literature concerning these compounds [e.g. 1]. The present work aims to assess the magnitude of genetic diversity among different populations of A. crassiflora using AFLP markers, and verify the existence of any correlation between the AFLP data and the composition of alkaloids [2]. 106 samples of Annona crassiflora from eight populations from Brazilian savanna areas in the states of Sao Paulo, Goias, Minas Gerais and Distrito Federal were analyzed. Regarding the genetic diversity, the percentage of polymorphisms (P) ranged from 23.8% to 62.96%, the average expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.077 to 0.215 and the Shannon's Index ranged from 0.119 to 0.323. These data suggest a low to moderate level of genetic diversity. The molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) indicates that most of the genetic variation occurs within populations (70%), while interpopulation variation is lower (22%). The FST value was 0.401. The Mantel test (r = 0.107; p = 0.154) showed a weak correlation between geographic distance and genetic distance. No correlation between alkaloid profiles and genetic differentiation was observed (Mantel test, r =-0.084; p = 0.003). Our results may contribute to establishment of conservation strategies for Brazilian savanna, looking forward to avoid genetic losses and ensure the long-term viability of populations of A. crassiflora. Acknowledgements: FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do estado de Sao Paulo) for financial support (2007/0651143 – 0). DYACS is a research fellow of CNPq. Keywords: Annona crassiflora, genetic diversity, AFLP, Isoquinoline alkaloids