Population genomics of the neotropical palm Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore: Implications for conservation

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 3;17(11):e0276408. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276408. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore is a palm tree native to Brazil. The products obtained from its leaf extracts are a source of income for local families and the agroindustry. Owing to the reduction of natural habitats and the absence of a sustainable management plan, the maintenance of the natural populations of this palm tree has been compromised. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity and genetic structure of 14 C. prunifera populations using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to provide information that contributes to the conservation of this species. A total of 1,013 SNP markers were identified, of which 84 loci showed outlier behavior and may reflect responses to natural selection. Overall, the level of genomic diversity was compatible with the biological aspects of this species. The inbreeding coefficient (f) was negative for all populations, indicating excess heterozygotes. Most genetic variations occurred within populations (77.26%), and a positive correlation existed between genetic and geographic distances. The population structure evaluated through discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed low genetic differentiation between populations. The results highlight the need for efforts to conserve C. prunifera as well as its distribution range to preserve its global genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arecaceae* / genetics
  • Genetic Drift
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Inbreeding
  • Metagenomics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Selection, Genetic

Grants and funding

This work was supported by CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico) - process 431226/2018-0 and 311811/2019-1 and FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) for the Project Grant (2021/10319-0). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.