Development and characterization of microsatellite markers in the African timber tree species Cylicodiscus gabunensis (Fabaceae)

Abstract

I. Background: Cylicodiscus gabunensis (Fabaceae) or 'Okan' is a Central African multipurpose timber species that is used for heavy construction and traditional medicine. Despite being currently heavily exploited, the species shows a low population density and a natural regeneration deficit in dense forest. II. Methods and Results: We aimed to characterize polymorphic microsatellite markers that can be used to study patterns of genetic structure and gene flow (mating system, pollen and seed dispersal and inbreeding depression) and ultimately, help to develop sustainable forest management practices. We developed 24 polymorphic markers that can be amplified in three PCR multiplexes that were tested in 647 individuals of C. gabunensis from three populations. The number of alleles ranged from 4 to 27 and the average observed and expected heterozygosity across loci and populations were Ho = 0.585 (0.081-0.936) and He = 0.510 (0.076-0.914), respectively. III. Conclusions: This set of markers is a useful tool for exploring intra-specific diversity, genetic structure and gene flow of C. gabunensis.

Contrasted spatial, demographic and genetic structures of a light-demanding African timber species, Cylicodiscus gabunensis Harms – Implications for a sustainable management of its populations

“…Hereafter, we will refer to tree for individuals with a dbh ≥ 20 cm or juvenile for individuals with a dbh < 20 cm. Samples from site A (125 trees and 117 juveniles), site B (45 trees and 7 juveniles), and site C (140 trees, and 205 seeds and seedlings below 13 putative mother trees) were genotyped at 24 nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSR) following the protocol of a recent study developing and characterizing microsatellite markers in C. gabunensis (Bhasin et al, 2022).…”