Microsatellite analysis sheds light on the conservation of Dyckia brevifolia Baker

Abstract Dyckia brevifolia is a riparian bromeliad endemic to southern Brazil. Despite the endangered status of this species, no genomic resources are available to aid conservation initiatives. This study describes the investigation of the genetic diversity and structure of D. brevifolia populations using newly neutral, species-specific nuclear microsatellite markers developed through genome skimming. Genotyping thirty individuals from three populations with nine generated microsatellite markers revealed low levels of allelic and genetic diversity ( A = 2.56 and He = 0.39, Ho = 0.19) and high fixation index ( f = 0.46), indicating significant inbreeding levels. Principal coordinates analysis suggested the occurrence of gene flow directed by river current, favoring downstream populations, which evidences hydrochorous dispersal of propagules. These primary data using molecular markers provide the basis for designing conservation strategies to ensure the maintenance of gene flow and genetic variability in the fragmented populations of D. brevifolia .