Genetic diversity and structure and reproductive system in Centrolobium tomentosum Guillem. Bentham (Fabaceae) aiming to support genetic enrichment in areas of forest restoration

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is the second largest rainforest in the Americas and is among the 25 hotspots for conservation priority, with only 7.5% of its original remaining area, predominance of forest fragments and small number of continuous native forest areas. Loss of genetic diversity, decrease in population size and reduction of population viability in the long term, with raise of extinction risk, are some of the consequences of native vegetation reduction. Forest restoration is one of the actions in place to reduce this extinction risk. It is based on recovering species diversity along with its complex networks of interactions and long-term conservation of habitats and organisms. Knowledge about genetic diversity and structure of remnant populations and restored areas, in addition to the reproductive system of the species, are essential for developing effective management plans. This project aims to generate information to support a management plan for conservation of araribá (Centrolobium tomentosum - Faboideae-Fabaceae), a tree species , in areas of forest restoration. To do so, it will be necessary to (i) assess the genetic diversity of araribá in conservation areas and areas of forest restoration, (ii) identify patterns of distribution of plants in different stages of life, (iii) determine the reproductive system of the species; (iv) produce seedlings from seed collected in preserved areas allelic enrichment in the areas of restoration, (v) monitor the survival and growth of seedlings planted in the understory of the restoration areas, and (vi) outline management plan for forest restoration to conserve the species as a dynamic entity, reducing the risk of extinction.