Genetic diversity of Salminus brasiliensis wild populations in downstream and upstream Cachoeira Branca, Verde River MS Brazil: A preliminary view

Abstract

Although hydroelectric power plants generate most electricity in Brazil, the dams provide environmental barriers which also include the interruption of fish migration. Current study, conducted prior to the construction of São Domingos HPP on the shaft of the Cachoeira Branca (waterfall) on the Verde river, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, evaluated the genetic diversity of two natural populations of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) located downstream (Population A - PopA) and upstream (Population B - PopB) the waterfall. Eight primers were employed to analyze 56 specimens (PopA: 26; PopB: 30) and observed in 102 fragments, of which 86 were polymorphic (84.3%). Low frequency fragments (PopA: 2; PopB: 1), three limiting fragments (PopA) and three exclusive fragments (PopB) were identified. The intra-population genetic variability calculated the Shannon index, whilst the percentage of polymorphic fragments showed high rate variability within each population (PopA: 0.300 and 60.80% and PopB: 0.411 and 79.40%, respectively). The distance and genetic identity revealed high genetic differentiation (0.076 and 0.927, respectively). Results reveal that populations have high intra-population genetic variability and genetic differentiation between them, with low gene flow.