Gene flow affects the genetic diversity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. in Cerrado

ABSTRACT Gene flow allows connectivity of geographically isolated populations and which genetic diversity is reduced. Understanding how gene flow occurs is essential to conservation and selection of priority populations for intervention. In this study, the rates of migration and selfing of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. sampled in Cerrado fragments in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, were estimated through computer simulations. Different selfing and migration rates were tested and the combination that showed values of observed and expected heterozygosity closest to those previously obtained with microsatellite markers was selected. According to the simulations, selfing and migration were low. Due to the high geographical distances among the fragments, gene flow was limited and may have led to low genetic diversity in the fragments. It is recommend enriching the area with high genetic diversity germplasm and reducing disturbance to promote the occurrence of pollinators, in order to increase the genetic diversity.