Genetic variation and conservation of the endangered endemic Anagyris latifolia Brouss. ex Willd. (Leguminosae) from the Canary Islands

Abstract

Anagyris latifolia is an endemic and endangered species from the Canary Islands, whose distribution is limited to four islands, with less than 400 individuals in fragmented and isolated localities. RAPD markers have been used to assess the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of its populations, in order to formulate appropriate management and conservation genetics strategies. Nine polymorphic primers generated 74 polymorphic DNA fragments. Genetic variation levels detected in Anagyris latifolia were significant high (H = 0.200; P% = 97.3), principal coordinates analysis and genetic differentiation coefficient showed a high degree of genetic differentiation between islands, without a define east-to-west stepping stone colonization route. AMOVA analysis showed that of the total genetic variation detected, 32.43% was maintained among islands, 20.73% contained among population within islands, and 46.84% resided within populations. According to these results, management strategies should be focused on each island separately.