Data from: Mating system and effective population size of the overexploited Neotropical tree (Myroxylon peruiferum L.f.) and their impact on seedling production

The reproductive system of a tree species has substantial impact on
genetic diversity and structure within and among natural populations. Such
information, should be considered when planning tree planting for forest
restoration. Here, we describe the mating system and genetic diversity of
an overexploited Neotropical tree, Myroxylon peruiferum L.f. (Fabaceae)
sampled from a forest remnant (10 seed trees and 200 seeds) and assess
whether the effective population size of nursery-grown seedlings (148
seedlings) is sufficient to prevent inbreeding depression in reintroduced
populations. Genetic analyses were performed based on eight microsatellite
loci. M. peruiferum presented a mixed mating system with evidence of
biparental inbreeding ( tm-ts = 0.118). We found low levels of genetic
diversity for M. peruiferum species (allelic richness: 1.40 to 4.82;
expected heterozygosity: 0.29 to 0.52). Based on Ne(v) within progeny, we
suggest a sample size of 47 seed trees to achieve an effective population
size of 100. The effective population sizes for the nursey-grown seedlings
were much smaller ( Ne = 27.54 to 34.86) than that recommended for short
term ( Ne ≥ 100) population conservation. Therefore, to obtain a
reasonable genetic representation of native tree species and prevent
problems associated with inbreeding depression, seedling production for
restoration purposes may require a much larger sampling effort than is
currently used, a problem that is further complicated by species with a
mixed mating system. This study emphasizes the need to integrate species
reproductive biology into seedling production programs and connect
conservation genetics with ecological restoration.