AFLP molecular markers were used aiming to study the genetic variability within and between Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) populations, originated from self-pollination and open pollination of two selections (Pit 15 and Pit 52) of the Embrapa Clima Temperado collection. The objective was to achieve a better understanding about the reproduction mode of this species. Two progenies were obtained from each selection being one from self-pollination and another from open-pollination, resulting in four populations. The analysis was carried out in 18 individuals of each progeny and the two mother plants, totalizing 74 genotypes. Three AFLP primer combinations were used and the genetic similarity was calculated by Jaccard coefficient. Genetic variability within and between populations was estimated by AMOVA. The three primer combinations amplified 178 loci, of which 114 (64%) were polimorphic, considering all the genotypes. There was not a clear separation between the two progenies of the same mother plant. Larger polimorphism of AFLP markers was observed in the open-pollinated populations. The proportion of total genetic variability was significant, between populations from open-pollination, although smaller than the variability observed within populations. The Surinam cherry reproduction is based on both self-fertilization as well as cross-pollination. Nevertheless it is rather important to do further studies in order to determine which reproduction mode is the most efficient.
Eugenia uniflora; Myrtaceae; reproductive biology; genetic similarity
