Abstract
In order to advocate for informed management decisions with regards to endangered species, we assessed genetic diversity and genetic structure in 40 individuals of six natural populations of the shrub Syncepalum dulcificum (SCHUMACH & THONN.) DANIELL growing in South Western Nigeria. Twelve (12) Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers were tested on total genomic DNA extracted from silica gel dried leaves. Bands were then scored for reproducibility and scoring error calculated. Several genetic diversity parameters were then tested using the POPGENE v1.32 software. Five (5) primers produced 227 reproducible and clear RAPD bands of which 47 were polymorphic (20.7%). The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPI) within populations ranged from 36% to 68%. Nei’s gene diversity among population (Hs) was 0.03, while at species level (Ht) was 0.18. The coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) among populations was estimated to be 0.83 with a gene flow rate (Nm) of 2.49 showing high genetic diversity within and among populations. The results however indicate a high similarity between the populations as well as close genetic relationship among them. We infer that S. dulcificum in Nigeria does not represent a genetically diverse population and this may be accounted for due the plant’s its breeding system which is mainly autogamous. This study further suggests an in-situ form of conservation be set up as immediate rescue conservation procedure for the plant.
Highlights
When envisaging the effects of environmental effects on plant biodiversity, there is a need to consider understanding the diversity and population genetic structure of threatened biodiversity
As molecular studies are fast becoming a tool in forest genetic diversity studies, we report the Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assessment of the tree species: Syncepalum dulcificum in Nigeria
Fresh leaf tissues of Syncepalun dulcificum were collected from six locations (Ijebu-Ode, Forest Resources Management University of Ibadan botanical garden, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Alonge village (Onigambari Forest Reserve) all in the South-western part of Nigeria
Summary
When envisaging the effects of environmental effects on plant biodiversity, there is a need to consider understanding the diversity and population genetic structure of threatened biodiversity. Studies in population genetics can estimate both contemporary and historic gene flow, and thereby aid in elucidating past intra-species relationships and distributions as it had been affected by climatic conditions [2]. Such genetic data, coupled with palaeo-ecological data can provide inferences to historical changes in plant biogeography and postglacial expansion/contraction [3], [4], [5]. It becomes imperative to take effective measures to protect these species against further loss especially in our changing world
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