Genetic variability of captive populations of Rhamdia quelen (Teleostei: Pimelodidae) using microsatellite markers

Abstract

The analysis of genetic variability in populations that are candidates for breeding programs is important for selecting a base population, which maximizes genetic divergence. Two captive populations of Rhamdia quelen were analyzed with microsatellite markers. The loci were amplified with fluorophore labelled primers: Pcor1 (FAM), Pcor2 (TET), Pc17 (HEX), Pc97 (TET), and Rh1 (FAM). The five examined microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic and informative with an average of 9.8 alleles/locus. The inbreeding coefficient (FIS) presented negative values indicating that inbreeding did not occur. The allelic and genotypic differentiation tests between the two populations showed statistically significant values; the total genetic divergence (FST) value was 0.01939, indicating a low level of genetic divergence. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the highest genetic variability was within (98.06) and not between the populations. The microsatellite markers used were efficient for analyzing the structure and genetic variability in captive populations of Rhamdia quelen. The adopted reproduction management proved to be appropriate because it ensured the maintenance of genetic variability in these populations.

Keywords

• Jundiá
• Pisciculture
• Genetic
• Inbreeding