Using spatial genetic structure of a population of Swietenia macrophylla King to integrate genetic diversity into management strategies in Southwestern Amazon

The aims of this study were to investigate the intrapopulation spatial genetic structure (SGS) of a preserved Swietenia macrophylla population in a managed forest in Southwestern Amazon, in Acre state, Brazil, and assess the genetic parameters that underlie the conceptual framework that guides conservation and management strategies. The study was conducted in Annual Production Unit (APU) 3, where 83 adult trees (DBH ≥ 40 cm) were mapped (1650 ha). The diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured and the vascular exchange was sampled. Leaf tissues were collected from 187 juvenile individuals within a radius of 20 m of adults. The population presented high heterozygosity (Ho) for adult (0.767) and juvenile (0.763) individuals, but significantly high allelic richness (R) and significantly lower fixation index (F) in adults (R = 10.3, F = 0.048) than juveniles (R = 9.3, F= 0.119). The F value significantly higher for juveniles, suggesting selection against inbred individuals between juvenile and adult life stages. SGS was detected for adults up to 300 m. Mating was mainly through outcrossing (0.97–1.0), but some crossing occurred among related trees (0.02–0.16) and were correlated (rpm = 0.06–0.22), indicating a mean effective number of pollen donors ranging from 4.5 to 18.2. Pollen dispersal distances reached 3905 m (mean of 1472 m), and mean effective pollination neighbor area of 792 ha. The effective population size (Ne) within family (2.73) was lower than expected for random mating populations. The number of trees (m) required for seed collection was estimated at 55 non-inbreed and not related trees to each other. The core collection consisted of 42 (50.6%) adults across the area. These individuals should be included in seed collection as they represent 100% of the total detected genetic diversity. The inclusion of S. macrophylla on the list of species available for exploitation is not indicated, because the species requires cross breeding for its maintenance and logging reduce the Ne and may negatively impact the pattern of genetic diversity. These will significantly increase the risk of genetic erosion and population extinction due to a lack of adaptive ability. Adults serve as pollen donors that ecologically and genetically contribute to the maintenance of gene flow and Ne. Because it is recognized as a threatened species worldwide, and due to the fact that in areas of natural occurrence the species presents low-density and shows difficulty establishing natural regeneration, we recommend that S. macrophylla be protected from selective logging.