Transferability and characterization of nuclear microsatellite markers in populations of Annona coriacea (Annonaceae), a tree from the Brazilian cerrado

Annona coriacea Mart. (Annonaceae), known commonly as araticum, is a widely distributed tree in the cerrado (a savanna vegetation). Its ethnobotanical value is attributed to the consumption of its fruits and the pharmacological proprieties associated with different parts of the plant. The rapid replacement of natural areas of the cerrado with agricultural lands is a strong threat to the species. Knowledge of the genetic diversity of natural populations can help develop in situ preservation strategies. This study is aimed to transfer and characterize 10 nuclear microsatellites previously developed in Annona crassiflora to A. coriacea. Using these markers, genetic diversity was estimated in three populations from the cerrado core area, comprising a total of 55 individuals. Eight of these co-dominant markers were amplified in A. coriacea and seven were polymorphic, showing a number of alleles ranging from 5 to 19 across all loci. The populations showed similar levels of genetic diversity, with allelic richness ranging from 5.99 to 6.29, the mean observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.607 to 0.748 and the mean expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.696 to 0.715. These markers were shown to be appropriate for studies on population genetics and evolution of A. coriacea, which could contribute to the establishment of conservation and sustainable exploitation strategies for the species.