Population Genomics and Conservation of Copernicia alba: a Non-Timber Palm of Economic Importance in the Brazilian Chaco

Abstract

Chaco is the largest remaining continuous tropical dry forest on the American continent and has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Copernicia alba Morong ex Morong & Britton is a typical species of Chaco forests and has been subjected to predatory extraction in its areas of occurrence. This study aims to assess the diversity and genetic structure of C. alba populations in the Brazilian Chaco region. By employing single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, this research seeks to generate insights to guide effective management and conservation strategies for this palm tree. To obtain the SNPs, genomic libraries were developed using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach. Populations showed considerable levels of genetic diversity (HE). The inbreeding coefficient (f) was negative for all populations, indicating an excess of heterozygotes. Additionally, clear signs of genetic flow were observed, indicating low to moderate genetic differentiation between populations. We detected 65 outlier SNPs associated mainly with general metabolic processes. Despite these results, conservation efforts should be adopted to avoid the loss of genetic variation. Conservation in situ or ex situ is pointed out as an important strategy for the preservation of C. alba populations, prioritizing sampling throughout the distribution area. The information obtained in this study will contribute to the conservation of genetic diversity, increasing the chances of the natural populations of C. alba persisting over time.