The genetic structure and mating system of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae)

Abstract

Acrocomia aculeata is a perennial, fruit-producing palm tree, native to tropical forests. Its fruits have spurred interest because of their significant potential for use in the cosmetic industry and as feedstock for biofuel. In the present study, the genetic structure and mating system in Acrocomia aculeata were analyzed, using eight nuclear micro-satellite loci and samples from São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, Brazil. By means of Bayesian analysis, these populations were clustered into two or three groups. A high multilocus outcrossing rate suggests that outcrosses were predominant, although a certain degree of biparental inbreeding also occurred. Thus, although monoecious and self-compatible, there is every indication that A. aculeata bears a mixed reproductive system, with a predominance of outcrossing. Given the genetic structure revealed hereby, future conservation strategies and germplasm collecting should be focussed on sampling and preserving individuals from different clusters.

Seedlings of Acrocomia aculeata in diferent substrates and protected environments

“…In this sense, Acrocomia aculeata has aroused interest due to its potential use for biofuels. ABREU et al (2012) reported that due to genetic structure, conservation strategies, and germplasm collection should be sampled from different groups of individuals. In studies with soaking and drying of fruits and seeds in bocaiúva germination RUBIO NETO et al (2012) found that in nuts dried for nine days there is no vigor loss, however if dehydrated for 15 days seed viability loss was verified.…”

Population genetic structure of Attalea vitrivir Zona (Arecaceae) in fragmented areas of southeast Brazil

“…The primary dispersal mode of babassu fruits involves barochory, and although there is no information available about the specific pollinator(s) of A. vitrivir, pollination in palm trees is generally mediated by beetles (Silberbauer-Gottsberger, 1990) that have only limited flight capacities (Han et al, 2009), which is incompatible with the approximately 90-km distance that separated the northern and southern regions in this study. Abreu et al (2012) suggested that the aggregated distribution of the palm Acrocomia aculeata could influence pollinator behavior, as animals would tend to pollinate more efficiently within closely spaced groups, increasing genetic divergence between populations. This same reasoning could be applied to A. vitrivir, as the study areas were separated by landscape fragmentation-a common and very pronounced situation in the Cerrado biome where our study areas were located (Klink and Machado, 2005).…”

Obtenção de Ácidos Graxos Livres do Óleo de Macaúba (Acrocomia Aculeata) em Sistema Livre de Solvente Orgânico

“…Visando com otimismo uma futura liderança mundial do país na produção de biodiesel, assim como a utilização de uma matriz oleaginosa sem fins alimentícios, o óleo do fruto da Macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) destaca-se, devido ao grande potencial para produção, podendo ser de 1500 a 5000 Kg de óleo por hectare (MANFIO et al, 2011), comparativamente muito superior à produtividade exibida pela soja, cerca de 415 Kg de óleo por hectare (NUNES, 2007). A Acrocomia aculeata produz óleo de alta qualidade e é considerada uma matriz oleaginosa com grande potencial para a produção sustentável de biocombustíveis (ABREU et al, 2012).…”