Genetic diversity in Nothofagus alessandrii (Fagaceae), an endangered endemic tree species of the coastal maulino forest of Central Chile.
OBJECTIVE
The endemic tree Nothofagus alessandrii (Fagaceae) has been historically restricted to the coastal range of Region VII of central Chile, and its forests have been increasingly destroyed and fragmented since the end of the 19th century. In this study, the patterns of within- and among-population genetic diversity in seven fragments of this endangered narrowly endemic tree were examined.


METHODS
Allozyme electrophoresis of seven loci of N. alessandrii was used to estimate genetic diversity, genetic structure and gene flow.


RESULTS
High levels of genetic diversity were found as shown by mean expected heterozygosity (H(e) = 0.182 +/- 0.034), percentage of polymorphic loci (P(p) = 61.2 %), mean number of alleles per locus (A = 1.8) and mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus (A(p) = 2.3). Genetic differentiation was also high (G(ST) = 0.257 and Nm = 0.7). These values are high compared with more widespread congeneric species.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite its endemic status and restricted geographical range N. alessandrii showed high levels of genetic diversity. The observed patterns of diversity are explained in part by historical processes and more recent human fragmentation.
Torres-Díaz
Cristian
C
Departamento de Botánica Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile. critorre@udec.cl
Ruiz
Eduardo
E
González
Fidelina
F
Fuentes
Glenda
G
Cavieres
Lohengrin A
LA
D000483:Alleles; D002677:Chile; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D029962:Fagaceae / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D005843:Geography; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics
D010940:Plant Proteins