Population genetics and conservation of Sideroxylon canariense (Sapotaceae) on the Canary Islands

Abstract

Genetic diversity patterns of different populations were studied in Sideroxylon canariense, a Canary Island endemic of conservation concern. The species range is composed of a number of very small and isolated populations. Genetic variation of these populations was analyzed using: (1) inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), a common fingerprinting method in plant population genetics, and (2) nucleotide sequence analyses of the nuclear ITS region. While no intraspecific variation was detected among the ITS sequences, the ISSR data showed a very low degree of intraspecific genetic diversity among S. canariense populations on the Canaries, with very few genotypes. We believe that many of the populations consist of a single individual that propagates asexually. Action is urgently required to protect and propagate the highly endangered populations.