Genetic variability of an endangered Bromeliaceae  species (Pitcairnia albiflos) from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.
Pitcairnia albiflos is a Bromeliaceae species endemic to Brazil that has  been included as data-deficient in the extinction risk list of Brazilian flora.  We analyzed genetic variability in P. albiflos populations using RAPD  markers to investigate population structure and reproductive mechanisms and  also to evaluate the actual extinction risk level of this species. Leaves of 56  individuals of P. albiflos from three populations were collected: Urca  Hill (UH, 20 individuals), Chacrinha State Park (CSP, 24 individuals) and  Tijuca National Park (TNP, 12 individuals). The RAPD technique was effective in  characterizing the genetic diversity in the P. albiflos populations  since it was possible to differentiate the populations and to identify  exclusive bands for at least two of them. Even if there is low genetic  diversity among them (CSP-UH = 0.463; CSP-TNP = 0.440; UH-TNP = 0.524), the  populations seem to be isolated according to the low genetic diversity observed  within them (H(pop) CSP = 0.060; H(pop) UH = 0.042; H(pop) TNP = 0.130). This fact might be the result of clonal  and self-reproduction predominance and also from environmental degradation  around the collection areas. Consequently, it would be important to protect all  populations both in situ and ex situ to prevent the decrease of  genetic variability. The low genetic variability among individuals of the same population  confirms the inclusion of this species as critically endangered in the risk  list for Brazilian flora.
Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
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R
Domingues
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Machado
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RC
Forzza
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TD
Melo
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Wohlres-Viana
L F
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Viccini
D001938:Brazil; D031229:Bromeliaceae / Q000235:genetics*; D056727:Endangered Species; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000502:physiology*; D005828:Genetics, Population / Q000379:methods; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; D014197:Trees