Abstract
In order to facilitate reasoned scientific decisions on its management and conservation, genetic analysis of six populations of P. Africana sampled from six different geographical regions of Ethiopia was performed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Seventy six percent of the loci studied revealed polymorphisim for the whole data set. Within population diversity estimated by using Nei’s gene diversity estimates ranged from 0.307 (Chilimo) to 0.150 (Bulki), with a mean of 0.234. Genetic differentiation between populations was estimated with Nei’s GST (0.264) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) based FST (0.257), which appears to be slightly higher than the average values obtained from various RAPD based studies on outcrossing and long-lived species. Genetic relationships among the populations were examined. The resulting tree separated the six populations into two primary clusters which somewhat reflects their geographical locations. Data suggested that conservation approach of P. africana should consider each population separately.
Highlights
IntroductionP. africana is commercially important for its bark, which is in high demand in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and for its wood as a good source of timber [1]
The polymorphism detected as percent of polymorphic loci in this study was comparable to the 80% reported by [12] using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markerfor analysis of molecular genetic polymorphism in Sesbania sesban
The extent of overall within genetic diversity observed in this study can be only loosely compared with other longlived species RAPD studies due to differences in the number and range of individuals surveyed, number and type of primers used, and life-history traits.the value observed for P. africana is not low to the mean value of 37RAPD studies (0.25) on long-lived perennials in a review by Neybom [20].The mean molecular variation reported in this review is probably somehow underestimated because sexually as well as clonally reproducing species were included
Summary
P. africana is commercially important for its bark, which is in high demand in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and for its wood as a good source of timber [1]. This has led to serious destruction of the species throughout Africa, leading to concerns on the long-term sustainability of harvesting and the conservation of this species. The FAO Panel of Experts on Forest Gene Resources lists P. africana as one of 18 top priority species for action in Africa [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
