Selection of ISSR markers and genetic diversity in a population of Elaeis guineensis

Abstract

Elaeis guineensis Jacq., Arecaceae, features highlight due to potential for oil production as well as between species with greater productivity of biodiesel. The selection of molecular markers allows the characterization of population genetics, supporting strategies for genetic conservation. The aim of this study was the selection of ISSR primers to quantify the genetic diversity of a population of E. guineensis. Sampling involved 13 individuals in the Unidade Acadêmica Especializada em Ciências Agrárias, municipality Macaíba/RN. Six primers were selected, they generated 68 loci, being 34 polymorphic. The number of alleles observed (Na) was equal to 1.5 and the number of effective alleles (Ne) was equal to 1.3. The genetic diversity of Nei, assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was 0.194, and the Shannon index (I) of 0.285. The test of genetic bottleneck, according Stepwise Mutation Model (SMM), indicated the significant occurrence (P < 0.007) of a population decline (bottleneck). The population presented low genetic diversity, which may be explained by the genetic bottleneck, indicating reduction in number of alleles.