Conservation genetics of the highly endangered Azorean endemics Euphrasia azorica and Euphrasia grandiflora using new SSR data

In the Azores Islands, two Euphrasia L. (Orobanchaceae) endemic species are recognized: Euphrasia azorica H.C.Watson, an annual herb, in Flores and Corvo, and Euphrasia grandiflora Hochst. ex Seub., a semi-shrub, in Pico, So Jorge and Terceira. Both species are highly endangered and protected by the Bern Convention and Habitats Directive. A population genetics study was conducted with new microsatellite primer pairs in 159 individuals of E. azorica and E. grandifolia, sampled from populations in Flores, Corvo, Pico and So Jorge. Allele sizing suggested that E. azorica is a diploid while E. grandiflora is a tetraploid. Euphrasia grandiflora revealed higher genetic diversity then E. azorica. The E. grandiflora population of Morro Pelado in So Jorge, displayed higher genetic diversity when compared with all others, while the E. azorica population of Madeira Seca in Corvo, showed the lowest. Private and less common bands were also overall higher in E. grandiflora populations. Population genetic structure analysis confirmed a distinctiveness between the two Azorean endemic Euphrasia, in addition to island-specific genetic patterns in E. azorica. The genetic structure obtained for E. grandiflora was complex with the populations of Cabe double dagger o do Mist,rio in Pico Island and of Pico da Esperan double dagger a in So Jorge sharing the same genetic group, while a putative spatial barrier to gene flow was still retrieved between both islands. Although some populations of both species might benefit from propagation actions, studies are needed on plant host species and translocations between islands or between some populations of a same island should be avoided, due to the occurrence of putative ESUs. Eradication of invasive species and control of grazing will be fundamental to promote in situ restauration.