Population Genetics of Agave cocui: Evidence for Low Genetic Diversity at the Southern Geographic Limit of Genus Agave
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TLDR
Level of allozyme diversity and population structure of Agave cocui, the species at the southern limit of distribution of the genus, and one of the lowest values of genetic variability are presented, suggesting that human impact represents a significant threat to the available genetic pool that this species possesses in the region.Abstract:
The Agave genus embraces many species with outstanding ecological and economic importance in the arid regions of the Americas. Even though this genus covers a broad geographic distribution, our knowledge on the population genetics of species is concentrated in taxa located in North America. Recently, it has been demonstrated that plant domestication decreases levels of genetic diversity in managed populations and increases population structure with respect to wild populations. We examined levels of allozyme diversity (N = 17 loci) and population structure of Agave cocui, the species at the southern limit of distribution of the genus. We sampled 7 wild populations (N = 30-35 individuals per population) representative of the geographic distribution of the species in Venezuela. Among the agaves studied, A. cocui has some of the lowest estimates of genetic diversity (H(e)[species] = 0.059, H(e)[population] = 0.054) reported until present. We propose that this condition is probably linked to the recent origin of this species in arid and semiarid regions of Colombia and Venezuela, probably through one or a few founder events. The lowest estimates of genetic diversity were associated with small populations in very restricted arid patches; but also with overexploitation of rosettes for production of fermented drinks and fibers. Santa Cruz de Pecaya, one of the 2 centers of economic use of agaves in northwestern Venezuela presented one of the lowest values of genetic variability, a sign suggesting that human impact represents a significant threat to the available genetic pool that this species possesses in the region.read more
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From Isozymes to Genomics: Population Genetics and Conservation of Agave in México
Luis E. Eguiarte,Erika Aguirre-Planter,Xitlali Aguirre,Ricardo Colin,Andrea Mariel Pérez González,Martha Rocha,Enrique Scheinvar,Laura Trejo,Valeria Souza +8 more
TL;DR: This work describes studies in 22 Agave species using different genetic markers and identifies some species that should be subject to special conservation genetic efforts, in particular the endangered A. victoriae-reginae and both wild populations and landraces of A. angustifolia.
Journal ArticleDOI
Genetic diversity, conservation and sustainable use of wild Agave cupreata and Agave potatorum extracted for mezcal production in Mexico
TL;DR: The data indicate that these species are not genetically eroded in general, and that they retain their historical patterns of diversity inside populations, and three genetically distinct populations are identified where conservation efforts should be a priority.
Journal ArticleDOI
Genetic structure of coexisting wild and managed agave populations: implications for the evolution of plants under domestication.
Carmen Julia Figueredo,Alejandro Casas,Antonio González-Rodríguez,Jafet M. Nassar,Patricia Colunga-GarcíaMarín,Víctor Rocha-Ramírez +5 more
TL;DR: Bayesian analysis indicated that genetic clusters best fit with the corresponding habitats where populations grow, and natural mechanisms of gene flow and movement of agave propagules among populations by people explain these patterns.
Journal ArticleDOI
Effects of traditional management for mescal production on the diversity and genetic structure of Agave potatorum (Asparagaceae) in central Mexico
Lizeth I. Félix-Valdez,Ofelia Vargas-Ponce,Dánae Cabrera-Toledo,Alejandro Casas,Angélica Cibrián-Jaramillo,Lino de la Cruz-Larios +5 more
TL;DR: The study suggests slight effects of management on genetic diversity of A. potatorum, apparently related to alterations of reproductive biology and pollination patterns, and Bayesian analysis indicated two genetic groups.
References
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