Genetic variation of Calycophyllum spruceanum in the Peruvian Amazon Basin, revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis

An understanding of the level, structure and origin of genetic variation wi thin and among populations of tropical trees is essential for devising opti mum management strategies for their sustainable utilization and conservatio n. Here, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to partition genetic variation within and among nine populations of the predo minantly riverine tree, Calycophyllum spruceanum, sampled across a wide geo graphical range along river tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Analy sis of molecular variance (AMOVA) employed 65 AFLP markers and revealed mos t variation among individuals within populations (91%), although variation among populations was highly significant (P < 0.001). Calculation of geneti c distances and nested AMOVA indicated a degree of structuring among popula tions based on geographical proximity, although clustering did not depend o n geographical distance alone. No firm evidence was obtained for unidirecti onal seed dispersal by water playing an important role in determining genet ic structure over the geographical range sampled. Implications of data for optimising genetic management of the species are discussed and areas for fu rther study identified.