Genetic diversity of Oreomunnea mexicana (Juglandaceae), a relict species of the Sierra Juarez cloud forest, Oaxaca

Oreomunnea mexicana is relict and threatened species; it constitutes a dominant tree element in the foggy forest of the Sierra Juarez, Oaxaca. The species is emblematic and is incorporated into the worldview of the inhabitants of the region, where, in addition, it performs very important ecological functions and ecosystem services. The aim of the present work was to analyze the diversity and genetic structure, as well as to evaluate the spatial genetic structure on a fine scale using molecular markers for in situ conservation activities. Dominant markers called inter simple sequence repeat were used with which individuals from nine populations (25 per population) and 120 individuals from a plot of 400 m(2) were analyzed. The results showed high levels of genetic diversity (H-e = 0.405 +/- 0003) and moderate levels of gene flow (N-m = 2.25) and low genetic differentiation (P < 0.001; 8%). The fine spatial genetic structure showed a random distribution, while the kinship analysis exhibited high genetic similarity among the analyzed individuals. High levels of diversity suggest that the species is not genetically degraded, however, due to its fragmented distribution and high environmental vulnerability, it is suggested for its conservation in situ, priority should be given for immediate protection to the populations of El Relampago (due to its great genetic diversity), the Panteon and the Orquidiario due to its low genetic diversity and the high vulnerability due to anthropic and environmental disturbance.