Genetic diversity of <i>Dacryodes buettneri</i> (Engl.) H.J. Lam (Burseraceae), a timber tree in Central Africa

Abstract

In order to contribute to the management of plant genetic resources in tropical Africa, a study of the genetic diversity of Dacryodes buettneri, a forest species exploited in Central Africa as timber, was carried out in Gabon. The nuclear DNA extracted from 170 trees distributed in six populations was amplified using five microsatellite markers. This amplification revealed that the genetic diversity within population is relatively important: the mean number of alleles per locus A=4.43±0.93, the percentage of polymorphism P=76% and expected heterozygosis Hexp= 0.35±0.06. The mean of inbreeding coefficient, F is equal to 0.25±0.08. The values of F-statistics showed that the genetic variability of populations taken separately is less than genetic variability in the meta-population (Fis=38% and Fit = 40%). The mean genetic distance between populations is low Fst=0.08, indicating much of genetic diversity within population. The gene flow is Nm=2.88. The genetic diversity of D. buettneri, showing an important inbreeding coefficient, is related to the reproductive system and mode of seed dispersal. The results contribute to valorization and conservation of wild phytogenetic resources for sustainable use.