Abstract

MAGALLAN HERNANDEZ, Fabiola; MARTINEZ, Mahinda; HERNANDEZ SANDOVAL, Luis  and  OYAMA, Ken. Genetic estructure of populations of Eriocaulon bilobatum (Eriocaulaceae): an endangered species of temporary wetlands. Bol. Soc. Bot. Méx [online]. 2009, n.85, pp.81-88. ISSN 0366-2128.

Eriocaulon bilobatum is an aquatic species that inhabits temporary wetlands in central Mexico. It is annual, herbaceous, emergent, with sexual and asexual reproduction, monoecious and insect pollinated. It is a rare and vulnerable species due to its endangered habitats. The objectives of this study were to determine the diversity and genetic structure of E. bilobatum and to know if there is a correlation with genetic diversity and its ecological and life history traits. Using horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis, we screened 160 individuals from four populations. E. bilobatum has a higher genetic diversity (A=2.32, Ae=1.31, P=69.65, Ho=0.134, He=0.197, H_T=0.221) than species with similar ecological and life history traits, moderate levels of inbreeding (F_IS = 0.312) and low genetic differentiation among populations (F_ST = 0.053 y G_ST = 0.048). Its diversity and genetic structure are determined by the mating system and life history traits, more than by inhabiting aquatic environments.

Keywords : aquatic plants; ecological traits; genetic diversity; life history traits; isolated habitat.

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