Aline Janke

Genetics, evolution and conservation of Bromeliaceae

Bromeliaceae is a morphologically distinctive and ecologically diverse family originating in the New World. Three centers of diversity, 58 genera, and about 3,140 bromeliad species are currently recognized. We compiled all of the studies related to the reproductive biology, genetic diversity, and population structure of the Bromeliaceae, and discuss the evolution and conservation of this family. Bromeliads are preferentially pollinated by vertebrates and show marked variation in breeding systems, from predominant inbreeding to predominant outcrossing, as well as constancy in chromosome number (2n = 2x = 50). Autogamous or mixed mating system bromeliads have a high inbreeding coefficient (FIS), while outcrossing species show low FIS. The degree of differentiation among populations (FST)of species ranges from 0.043 to 0.961, which can be influenced by pollen and seed dispersal effects, clonal growth, gene flow rates, and connectivity among populations. The evolutionary history of the Bromeliaceae is poorly known, although some studies have indicated that the family arose in the Guayana Shield roughly 100 Mya. We believe that genetic, cytogenetic, and reproductive data will be essential for diagnosing species status and for assisting conservation programs.

Microsatellites in the endangered species Dyckia distachya (Bromeliaceae) and cross-amplification in other bromeliads.

Microsatellite markers were isolated in Dyckia distachya, an endangered bromeliad from southern Brazil, which will be useful to assess the population genetic structure and reproductive success in introduced and natural populations of this species. Twenty microsatellite loci were developed from an enriched genomic library, and nine of these were amplified. The loci were characterized in 43 individuals from introduced and wild D. distachya populations. All nine loci were polymorphic, with four to ten alleles per locus. In an introduced population the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.136–0.667 and 0.543–0.877, respectively, while in a wild population it ranged from 0.000 to 0.895 and from 0.050 to 0.811, respectively. The development of these microsatellite markers will contribute to investigations of the reproductive potential and viability of introduced populations of D. distachya as well as the single known wild population. Cross-amplification in other Bromeliaceae species was successful, with high rates in four loci, demonstrating the applicability of these microsatellite markers in other taxa.

Caracterização de espécies diploides de Lotus em resposta à toxidez por alumínio

The objective of this work was to characterize diploid species, including Lotus japonicus model species and recombinant inbred lines of the Lotus genus for resistance to aluminum (Al) toxicity by using acid soil and nutrient solution. The experiments were conducted in greenhouse, being tested three diploid species (L. japonicus MG-20 and GIFU, L. filicaulis and L. burtii), and 180 recombinant inbred lines. In the experiments with diploid species, alfalfa was used as a check, and in the experiments with recombinant inbreed lines, GIFU model species was used. In the soil experiments, the morphological characteristics of the aerial part and the root were evaluated, and in the nutrient solution experiment, only the root length and growth were evaluated. MG-20 and GIF model species were the most productive in general. The results in nutrient solution followed the response pattern similar to the one observed in acid soil evaluations. The MG-20 genotype was superior to the others in all Al concentrations tested. Of the 180 recombinant inbred lines tested, 24 were superior and 39 inferior to the GIFU species. The great diversity observed in the model species and in the recombinant inbred lines can help in future selection of cultivated genotypes (tetraploids) inasmuch as they have a group of developed molecular markers which can be used at identification of regions responsible for higher or lower tolerance to aluminum toxicity.

Análise da diversidade genética de cornichão com o uso de marcadores microssatélites

The aim of this work was to analyze the genetic diversity of 14 Lotus corniculatus L. materials through microsatellite markers. Four cultivars and one population of L. corniculatus and their respective genotypes selected were analyzed aiming aluminium tolerance and sensibility. The 17 markers used detected a total of 36 alleles, with an average of 2.25 alleles per locus. The result of the similarity analyses showed the formation of three groups: one enclosing germplasm and selected genotypes for aluminium sensibility, while the other two groups were formed by selected genotypes for aluminium tolerance. The molecular analysis was efficient in detecting and quantifying the variability among the genotypes, adding useful information to the breeding program. The utilization of microsatellite markers permitted the distinction of genotypes originated from a selection program aiming aluminium tolerance. The performed selections originate polymorphic genotypes in relation to the original populations.

Seleção de populações de Lotus corniculatus L. com maior tolerância ao alumínio em solução nutritiva

The experiment was carried out to select genotypes of Lotus corniculatus L. (Draco, Sao Gabriel and UFRGS) more tolerant to aluminum, using the technique of selection in nutrient solution. The solution contained 200 µmol/L calcium (CaCl2) and 100 µmol/L aluminum (AlCl3) and a pH controlled in the range from 4.1 to 4.3. It was performed two cycles of selection, in which the seedlings were selected by the root final length. Subsequently, the genetic gain achieved in the cycles of selection was tested, in original and improved populations in an experiment in nutrient solution with four concentrations of aluminum (0, 50, 100 and 150 µmol/L) (AlCl3), by liquid root growth. Use of nutritional solution was efficient in the selection of seedlings of birdsfoot trefoil tolerant to aluminum. The materials analyzed differ for this characteristic, with the genotype UFRGS F2, being the most tolerant.

Microsatellite diversity and chromosome number in natural populations of Trifolium riograndense Burkart

Twenty eight natural populations of Trifolium riograndense Burkart, an important forage legume from native pastures of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were evaluated for genetic diversity with eight Simple Sequences Repeats (SSR) markers. Chromosome numbers were also determined. The eight markers were polymorphic, with 35 alleles and an average of 4.37 alleles per locus, and Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) between 0.48 and 0.80. Group analysis based on Jaccard´s similarity coefficient separated the 28 accessions in nine groups, with an average genetic similarity of 0.44, indicating a high genetic variability among the populations. No evident relation between genetic distance and geographical origin was detected. The chromosome number of 2n=2x=16 was found in all populations, indicating lack of intraspecific variability for chromosome number in the species. This information on diversity can be used in conservation strategies as well as in genetic breeding programs of this species.

Construção e avaliação agronômica de genótipos de cornichão com respostas contrastantes à toxidez por alumínio

The objective of this study was to select and characterize Lotus corniculatus genotypes with contrasting responses to toxicity by aluminum. Four cultivars (Sao Gabriel, San Gabriel, Draco, Estanzuela) and one population (UFRGS) were submitted to two consecutive selections in soils that presented 30-35% aluminum saturation. Selections consisted of separating 1% of the most and less vigorous individuals in order to obtain tolerant and sensitive genotypes, respectively. The individuals chosen were compared with the original germplasm by agronomical evaluation. Genotypes selected by tolerance to toxic aluminum were overall superior to the original populations. However, the materials chosen by sensitivity were inferior to the original populations even in situations where toxic aluminum was absent. Among the selected genotypes, the UFRGS selected for tolerance stood out, presenting an elevated dry matter production level - superior to all other genotypes. Field testing and seed multiplication of these genotypes for further use in areas that present this limitation is necessary, especially for the UFRGS population selected for tolerance to aluminum.