Recruitment and genetic diversity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. regenerants in small forest fragments

Abstract

The immediate consequence of forest fragmentation in tree species is the loss of genetic diversity due to the reduction in population sizes. In the medium-term, the small population sizes and the spatial isolation of forest remnants constrain gene flow and cause inbreeding. Small populations are also more sensitive to the loss of genetic diversity caused by genetic drift. Our study aims to evaluate the dynamics of Copaifera langsdorffii natural regeneration and the genetic diversity of seedlings and saplings in small forest fragments in Sorocaba-SP. This project is part of major research, supported by FAPESP (Process 2012/01274-4), which aims to study the conservation status of C. langsdorffii populations in small forest fragments and the quantification of contemporary gene flow among a set of forest remnants. It's the first initiative to employ the molecular genetics approach to study tree populations in Sorocaba region. In 2012, fourteen 100m2 plots were installed in six small forest fragments in Sorocaba municipality, SP. In this project, all C. langsdorffii (> 30 cm height) inside the plots will be measured and recorded. Seedling and sapling densities relative to reproductively mature trees will be compared between fragments. Each six months, we will evaluate recruitment and seedling and sapling mortality in order to compare the dynamics of regeneration between fragments. Seedlings and saplings will be genotyped with at least eight microsatellite markers. Inbreeding and genetic diversity estimates will be compared between fragments and size classes (seedlings x saplings x adults). (AU)