Anatomy and genetic diversity of two populations of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) from the Tibagi River basin in Paraná, Brazil

E.A. Ruas, C.F. Ruas, P.S. Medri, C. Medri, M.E. Medri, E. Bianchini, J.A. Pimenta, L.A. Rodrigues, P.M. Ruas
Published: March 29, 2011
Genet. Mol. Res. 10 (1) : 526-536
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol10-1gmr1028


Cite this Article:
E.A. Ruas, C.F. Ruas, P.S. Medri, C. Medri, M.E. Medri, E. Bianchini, J.A. Pimenta, L.A. Rodrigues, P.M. Ruas (2011). Anatomy and genetic diversity of two populations of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) from the Tibagi River basin in Paraná, Brazil. Genet. Mol. Res. 10(1): 526-536. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol10-1gmr1028

About the Authors
E.A. Ruas, C.F. Ruas, P.S. Medri, C. Medri, M.E. Medri, E. Bianchini, J.A. Pimenta, L.A. Rodrigues, P.M. Ruas
Corresponding Author
E.A. Ruas
Email: edu_wicca@yahoo.com.br

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of the effects of flooding on plant survival is relevant for the efficiency of management and conservation programs. Schinus terebinthifolius is a tree of economic and ecological importance that is common in northeast Brazil. Flooding tolerance and genetic variation were investigated in two riparian populations of S. terebinthifolius distributed along two different ecological regions of the Tibagi River basin. Flooding tolerance was evaluated through the investigation of young plants, submitted to different flooding intensities to examine the morphological and anatomical responses to this stress. The growth rate of S. terebinthifolius was not affected by flooding, but total submersion proved to be lethal for 100% of the plants. Morphological alterations such as hypertrophied lenticels were observed in both populations and lenticel openings were significantly higher in plants from one population. Genetic analysis using DNA samples obtained from both populations showed a moderate degree of genetic variation between populations (13.7%); most of the variation was found within populations (86.3%). These results show that for conservation purposes and management of degraded areas, both populations should be preserved and could be used in programs that intend to recompose riparian forests.

Knowledge of the effects of flooding on plant survival is relevant for the efficiency of management and conservation programs. Schinus terebinthifolius is a tree of economic and ecological importance that is common in northeast Brazil. Flooding tolerance and genetic variation were investigated in two riparian populations of S. terebinthifolius distributed along two different ecological regions of the Tibagi River basin. Flooding tolerance was evaluated through the investigation of young plants, submitted to different flooding intensities to examine the morphological and anatomical responses to this stress. The growth rate of S. terebinthifolius was not affected by flooding, but total submersion proved to be lethal for 100% of the plants. Morphological alterations such as hypertrophied lenticels were observed in both populations and lenticel openings were significantly higher in plants from one population. Genetic analysis using DNA samples obtained from both populations showed a moderate degree of genetic variation between populations (13.7%); most of the variation was found within populations (86.3%). These results show that for conservation purposes and management of degraded areas, both populations should be preserved and could be used in programs that intend to recompose riparian forests.

Key words: Flooding, Morphoanatomy, RAPD, Riparian forests.

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