ABSTRACT The ecological structure of forest fragments is closely related to the dynamics of biological flows directly dependent on the decomposition of the litterfall, which is the main mechanism of recycling nutrients to plants. In this sense, the objective of the present work was to quantify the annual litterfall productionduring the period from April 2013 to March 2014 in Mata do Bebo, an Atlantic Forest fragment located in Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte. 10 conical collectors were used to obtain the data on the litter contribution, with an average opening area of 0.128 m2, placed 1 m above the ground. The material was collected monthly, dried at air temperature for 48 h, and separated into four fractions: leaves, bark and branches, reproductive material; and miscellaneous material. After separation, the fractions were weighed and stored. The total contribution of litter was uninterrupted and totaled 5,038.72 kg ha-1 yea-1, with the highest production in September, at the beginning of the dry season, and the lowest in July. The foliar fraction made the largest contribution, with 3,744.26 kg ha-1 yean1, followed by the reproductive material, which reached 846.29 kg ha-1 year-1, branches and bark, with 396.10 kg ha-1 year-1, and miscellaneous material, with 52,069 kg ha-1 year-1. The correlations of litterfall production with rainfall and temperature were negative. The litterfall production in the fragment was lower than that obtained in other remaining Atlantic Forest areas, possibly because it is located in a region considered an ecotone between the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes, besides the anthropic effect to which it has been submitted for decades.

RESUMEN La estructura ecológica de un fragmento de bosque está estrechamente relacionada con la dinámica de los flujos biológicos, ya que depende directamente de la descomposición de la hojarasca, que representa el principal mecanismo de disponibilidad y retorno de nutrientes a las plantas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue cuantificar la producción anual de hojarasca en un fragmento de Bosque Atlántico en el noreste de Brasil. Para obtener datos sobre la producción de hojarasca se utilizaron 10 colectores cónicos con una superficie media de 0,128 m 2 , situados a 1 m de altura. El material se recogía mensualmentg, se secaba a temperatura ambiente durante 48 h y se separaba en fracciones: hojas, corteza, ramas, material de reproducción y miscelánea. Después de la separación las fracciones fueron pesadas y almacenadas. La producción de hojarasca fue ininterrumpida y ascendió a un total de 5.038,72 kg ha -1 .año~ 1 , con la mayor producción en septiembre, al comienzo del período seco, y la menor en julio. La fracción foliar fue la que presentó el mayor aporte en la producción de la hojarasca, con 3.744,26 kg ha -1 año- 1 , seguida del material de reproducción que alcanzó a 846,29 kg ha -1 año -1 , las ramas y las cáscaras con 396,10 kg ha -1 añoy material misceláneo con 52.069 kg ha -1 año -1 . Las correlaciones de la producción de hojarasca con la lluvia y la temperatura resultaron negativas. La producción de hojarasca en el fragmento fue menor que la obtenida en otras zonas del Bosque Atlántico, posiblemente porque se encuentra en una región considerada un ecotono con la Caatinga, además del efecto antrópico al que ha estado sometido durante décadas.

ABSTRACT Background: Curitiba prismatica (D.Legrand) Salywon & Landrum belongs to the Myrtaceae family and it is popularly known as murta. Endemic to the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest of south Brazil, is predominant in Faxinal System, which is a traditional agricultural system in the State of Paraná. This species also has several uses and potentials, such as wood for fence posts and essential oils with pharmacological properties. For this reason, this study aimed to select molecular markers and assess whether the Faxinal System contributes to the maintenance of the genetic diversity of the species, helping in its management and conservation. As such, 120 adult reproductive individuals were sampled, 60 in two areas managed in the Faxinal System, and 60 in two conservation areas. Results: Initially, 30 ISSR markers were selected, but only eight showed considerable variability, resulting in 68 polymorphic loci. The results show that the average diversity within populations is 80.54%. The Shannon (I) and Nei’s (He) diversity indices were 0.53 and 0.36, respectively. According to Nei’s genetic identity, the populations form two groups. With the analysis of the genetic structure of the populations, which indicated the existence of two distinct genetic groups (K = 2). Conclusion: Thus, the populations in the Faxinal System had higher rates of genetic diversity, despite constant human activity within the system. Therefore, the Faxinal System contributes to the conservation of C. prismatica genetic diversity; however, considering the economic potential of the species and to minimize impacts on the existing fragments, there is a need to work with the local population to ensure sustainable forest management of the species.

ABSTRACT Background: Neotropical species lack autecological information. Among these, are phenological studies, which help to understand forest dynamics and provide important contributions to the collection, restoration, and conservation programs. This research aimed to characterize the vegetative and reproductive phenological behavior of neotropical species Geoffroea spinosa Jacq. in a seasonally dry tropical forest, as well as to verify if there is a correlation between phenophases and environmental parameters. Twenty individuals were accompanied monthly for two years, to detect and tally the presence of floral buds, flowers, immature fruits, ripe fruits, leaf emergence, presence of mature leaves, and defoliation. A semi-quantitative evaluation was carried out with the Fournier method. Results: The results showed that the population had synchrony of reproductive events, with more than 50% of the individuals blooming and fruiting during the same time interval. Furthermore, the circular statistical test indicated a high seasonality for reproductive events (r ≥ 0.50 and p < 0.001). Among the vegetative events, all were classified as non-seasonal (r < 0.5). G. spinosa, showed a significant correlation (p ≤ 0.05) for all meteorological variables evaluated. Conclusion: The reproductive phenophases of G. spinosa showed strongly seasonal behavior, unlike vegetative events. the period between mid-February and the end of March was the most propitious for fruit collection. No seasonality was observed for the vegetative events. The species proved to be sensitive to El niño conditions. Follow-up phenological studies associated with meteorological variables are important for a better understanding of the dynamics of vegetative behavior in response to climate change.

SUMMARY: The study of the phenological patterns of plants contributes to the understanding of their ecological functioning and related ecosystem services, especially of little-known species. Manilkara salzmannii is a tree native to the Atlantic Forest that occurs in disturbed urban expansion areas. This study aimed to characterize the phenological pattern of M. salzmannii and to correlate its phenophases with meteorological variables. Evaluations were carried out over three years, during which time reproductive and vegetative phenophases were observed in the sampled population. The activity and Fournier indices were initially considered, and circular statistics were later applied. For the correlation with climate, we used data corresponding to the month of observation, as well as one month and two months beforehand. The species has an annual pattern of reproductive events. However, there was variation in the phenological pattern over the three years regarding vegetative and reproductive phenophases. In 2016, there was barely any bud production and blooming, which negatively influenced fruiting events. Leaf senescence was more intense in periods of higher temperature and solar radiation. On the other hand, leaf shedding was more intense in periods of lower wind speed, higher humidity, and precipitation. Immature fruiting correlated positively with temperature and solar radiation, but negatively with humidity and wind speed. Among the implications for the conservation of M. salzmannii, the knowledge obtained regarding the length of the reproductive period stands out. Thus, this study’s results can guide the appropriate timing of fruit collection for seedling production programs.

RESUMEN: El patrón fenológico de las plantas contribuye a la comprensión de su funcionamiento ecológico y de los servicios ecosistémicos relacionados, especialmente, de especies poco conocidas. Manilkara salzmannii es un árbol nativo de la selva atlántica que se encuentra en áreas de expansión urbana perturbadas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar el patrón fenológico de M. salzmannii y correlacionar las fenofases con las variables meteorológicas. Se realizaron evaluaciones durante tres años, donde se observaron las fenofases reproductivas y vegetativas en la población muestreada. El índice de actividad y el índice de Fournier fueron los parámetros considerados inicialmente, y luego se aplicó la estadística circular. Para la correlación con el clima, se utilizaron los datos correspondientes al mes de observación, un mes antes y dos meses antes. La especie tiene un patrón anual de eventos reproductivos. Sin embargo, hubo variación en el patrón fenológico a lo largo de los tres años en lo que respecta a las fenofases vegetativa y reproductiva. En 2016, la producción de yemas y la floración prácticamente no se produjeron, influyendo negativamente en los eventos de fructificación. La senescencia foliar fue más intensa en los periodos de mayor temperatura y radiación solar. Por otro lado, la caída de hojas fue más intensa en períodos de menor velocidad del viento, mayor humedad y precipitaciones. Los frutos inmaduros se correlacionaron positivamente con la temperatura y la radiación solar, pero negativamente con la humedad y la velocidad del viento. Entre las implicaciones para la conservación de M. salzmannii, destaca el conocimiento obtenido sobre la duración del periodo reproductivo. En este sentido, los resultados de este estudio pueden orientar la recolección de frutos en el momento más adecuado para los programas de producción de plántulas.

Resumo Oreopanax fulvus é uma espécie endêmica da Mata Atlântica brasileira, avaliada como rara e vulnerável nos estados do Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul, respectivamente. Essa situação adversa requer ações de conservação que devem ser apoiadas pelo entendimento de sua autoecologia. O objetivo foi identificar os padrões fenológicos de populações de O. fulvus de dois remanescentes de Floresta com Araucária no Paraná. O monitoramento mensal da fenologia de 19 árvores em cada local foi realizado durante 24 meses. Quantificamos as fenofases vegetativas (brotos, folhas maduras e senescência foliar) e reprodutivas (produção de botões, floração, frutos imaturos e maduros). Estatísticas circulares baseadas no índice de atividade foram aplicadas para identificar a sazonalidade das fenofases. Correlações de Spearman foram realizadas entre fenofases e parâmetros meteorológicos. Brotos e folhas maduras foram registrados em todos os meses, com diminuição das folhas maduras nos meses de novembro e dezembro. A senescência foliar foi sazonal, ocorrendo de maio a dezembro. As fenofases reprodutivas foram sazonais: floração de janeiro a maio; e frutificação de março a novembro, com frutos começando a amadurecer em setembro. As fenofases vegetativas e reprodutivas foram altamente influenciadas pela temperatura média e pelo fotoperíodo. Embora tenha havido diferenças nos padrões fenológicos reprodutivos, as diferentes populações estudadas apresentaram desempenhos fenológicos semelhantes.

Abstract Oreopanax fulvus is a species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, assessed as rare and vulnerable in the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, respectively. This adverse situation requires conservation actions that must be supported by the understanding of its autecology. We aimed to identify the phenological patterns of O. fulvus populations from two Araucaria Rainforest remnants in Paraná. Monthly phenology monitoring of 19 trees in each site was performed over 24 months. We quantified the vegetative (i.e., leaf flushing, mature leaves, and leaf-senescence) and reproductive phenophases (i.e., buds production, blooming, immature, and mature fruits). Circular statistics based on activity index were applied to identify the phenophases seasonality. Spearman correlations were performed among phenophases and meteorological parameters. Leaf flushing and mature leaves were recorded in all months, with a decrease of mature leaves during November and December. Leaf-senescence was seasonal, occurring from May to December. The reproductive phenophases were seasonal: blooming from January to May; and fruiting from March to November, with fruits starting to mature in September. Vegetative and reproductive phenophases were highly influenced by average temperature and photoperiod. Although there were dissimilarities in reproductive phenological patterns, the different populations studied had similar phenological performances.

RESUMO Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson (Fabaceae) é uma espécie nativa do Brasil com alto potencial em programas de desenvolvimento econômico em regiões semiáridas, principalmente relacionado à produção de mel, alimentação animal e madeira para lenha. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar marcadores moleculares Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) para estudos de diversidade genética, bem como testar a eficiência desta abordagem na quantificação da diversidade genética de uma população natural de P. moniliformis. Para isso, testaram-se 28 marcadores moleculares ISSR, avaliando-se o número total de locos, taxa de polimorfismo e o valor de conteúdo de informação polimórfica (PIC) para os iniciadores selecionados, bem como o índice de marcador e o poder de resolução. Os parâmetros de diversidade genética (distância genética de Nei e índice de Shannon) foram avaliados em 30 indivíduos localizados em Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Foram selecionados sete iniciadores que forneceram 74 locos, sendo 82% polimórficos, enquanto o valor de PIC foi de 0,344. A distância genética de Nei foi de 0,244 e o índice de Shannon, de 0,374. Portanto, marcadores moleculares ISSR (UBC 827, 840, 844, 857, 859, 860 e 873) são considerados eficientes nos estudos de diversidade genética de populações, seleção de matrizes e bancos de germoplasma, e podem contribuir para a conservação e o melhoramento genético em populações de P. moniliformis.

ABSTRACT Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson (Fabaceae) is a native brazilian species with high potential for economic development programs in semiarid regions, mainly related to the production of honey, animal food and firewood. Thus, the objective of this work was to select Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers for genetic diversity studies, as well as to test the efficiency of this approach in quantifying the genetic diversity of a natural P. moniliformis population. For this, 28 ISSR molecular markers were tested, evaluating the total number of loci, polymorphism rate and the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) for the selected primers, the “Marker Index”, and the “Resolving Power”. Genetic diversity parameters (Nei genetic distance and Shannon index) were evaluated for 30 individuals located in Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Seven primers were selected, which provided 74 loci, with 82% being polymorphic, while the PIC value was 0.344. The Nei genetic distance was 0.244, and the Shannon index was 0.374. Therefore, ISSR molecular markers (UBC 827, 840, 844, 857, 859, 860 and 873) are considered efficient in studying the genetic diversity of populations for the selection of matrices and germplasm banks, and may contribute to the conservation and genetic improvement of P. moniliformis populations.

Resumo O presente trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a fenologia de uma população natural de Elaeis guineensis (dendezeiro), localizada na Unidade Acadêmica Especializada em Ciências Agrárias da UFRN, em Macaíba - RN, avaliando-se as fenofases reprodutivas e vegetativas das plantas e o comportamento das variáveis climáticas nestas fenofases. Foram registradas quinzenalmente, de outubro de 2012 a março de 2014, as características fenológicas referentes a enfolhamento, desfolhamento, antese e frutificação, avaliadas por meio do índice de atividade e intensidade de Fournier. A relação entre as variáveis climáticas e as fenofases foi realizada por meio da correlação de Spearman. Elaeis guineensis não apresentou emissões de botões e flores no período avaliado. A perda e a emissão de folhas ocorreram durante todo o tempo. A atividade de frutos imaturos apresentou correlação significativa e positiva com a temperatura (rs= 0,336; P= 0,03). A intensidade e a atividade dos frutos maduros apresentaram, respectivamente, correlação positiva e significativa tanto com a umidade (rs = 0,455; P= 0,004 e rs= 0,416; P= 0,009) quanto com a precipitação (rs= 0,614; P = 0,00004 e rs = 0,578; P= 0,0001), indicando que quanto maior umidade e precipitação, maior é a produção de frutos maduros.

Abstract This study aimed to describe the phenology of a natural population of Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), located on the Academic Unit Specialized in Agricultural Sciences UFRN in Macaíba, RN state, evaluating reproductive and vegetative phenological phases of plants and the climate. Phenological characteristics concerning leafiness, defoliation, blooming and fruiting, evaluated using the activity index and intensity of Fournier recorded biweekly from October 2012 to March 2014. The relationship between climate and the phenological phases was performed by Spearman correlation. Elaeis guineensis showed no emission of buds and flowers. The loss and leaf emergence occurred during the whole time. The activity of immature fruits showed significant positive correlation with temperature (rs = 0.336, P = 0.03). The intensity and activity of mature fruits showed, respectively, a significant positive correlation with both humidity (rs = 0.455, P = 0.004 and rs = 0.416, P = 0.009) and with rainfall (rs = 0.614, P = 0.00004 and rs = 0.578, P = 0.0001), indicating that the higher humidity and precipitation, the greater the production of the ripe fruit is.

Resumo Este trabalho objetivou estimar a diversidade genética de três populações de Elaeis guineensis no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, bem como verificar a diminuição do tamanho efetivo da população. A população com maior polimorfismo foi a MAT (Mata), com 57 locos (72%), seguida pela RIA (Riacho), com 54 locos (68%), e HOR (Horta), com 34 locos (43,03%). A população RIA mostrou-se a mais diversificada geneticamente, com índices de diversidade de Nei (h = 0,28) e índice de Shannon (I = 0,41). Houve alta diferenciação genética entre as populações (AMOVA, análise de variância molecular = 42%), que foi separada em três grupos genéticos distintos, de acordo com uma análise bayesiana. Houve uma diminuição significativa da população (P <0,05) para a população HOR no modelo IAM (modelo de alelos infinitos) e SMM (modelo de passos de mutação), e para a população RIA no IAM. Os dados obtidos neste estudo podem apoiar projetos de conservação ex situ para Elaeis guineensis, contribuindo para a seleção de genótipos e seu uso sustentável.

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of three Elaeis guineensis populations in Rio Grande do Norte state, as well as to verify the decreases in effective population size. The population with the highest polymorphism was MAT (Mata) with+ 57 loci (72%), followed by RIA (Riacho) with 54 loci (68%) and HOR (Horta) with 34 loci (43.03%). The RIA population was shown to be the most genetically diverse, with Nei (h = 0.28) and Shannon (I = 0.41) diversity indices. There was high genetic differentiation among populations (AMOVA, analysis of molecular variance = 42%), which was separated into three distinct genetic groups according to a Bayesian analysis. There was a significant population decrease (P < 0.05) for the HOR population in the IAM (infinite allele model) and SMM (stepwise mutation model), and for the RIA population in the IAM. The data obtained in this study may support ex-situ conservation projects for Elaeis guineensis, contributing to the selection of genotypes and their sustainable use.

RESUMO A contínua fragmentação das florestas tem sido uma ameaça à manutenção dos recursos genéticos. A diversidade genética é fundamental para a sobrevivência das espécies em ambientes naturais a longo prazo, além de ser a base para o melhoramento genético. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a diversidade genética em populações naturais de Hancornia speciosa e contribuir para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação. Foram amostrados 105 indivíduos de H. speciosa, distribuídos em sete populações. Os marcadores ISSR (Entre Sequências Simples Repetida) forneceram 70 loci, dos quais 81% foram polimórficos. A diversidade genética média de Nei (h) foi de 0,19 e o índice de Shannon (I) foi de 0,27. Os índices de diversidade h e I variaram respectivamente de 0,16 a 0,24 na população de PAD (Parque das Dunas) e de 0,21 a 0,29 na população de MAC (Macaíba). De acordo com a análise bayesiana, os genótipos foram divididos em quatro grupos (K = 4). Os padrões observados para diversidade alélica indicaram a ocorrência de gargalo genético em todas as populações, de acordo com o modelo de passos de mutação (SMM). O modelo do alelo infinito (IAM) revelou um desequilíbrio entre a mutação e a deriva genética apenas na população de PAD. Estratégias de conservação genética para H. speciosa devem abranger cada grupo genético diferencialmente estruturado. Recomendamos a conservação in situ e a criação de bancos de germoplasma, especialmente com a população PAD que demonstrou a menor diversidade genética e decréscimo no tamanho efetivo da população conforme os dois modelos mutacionais.

ABSTRACT The continuing fragmentation of forests has been a threat to the maintenance of genetic resources. Genetic diversity is fundamental to the survival of species in natural environments in the long term, as well as being the basis for genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in natural populations of Hancornia speciosa and to contribute to the development of conservation strategies. We sampled 105 individuals of H. speciosa, distributed in seven populations. The ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) markers provided 70 loci, of which 81% were polymorphic. The mean genetic diversity of Nei (h) was 0.19, and the Shannon index (I) was 0.27. The h and I diversity indices ranged respectively from 0.16 to 0.24 in the PAD (Parque das Dunas) population and from 0.21 to 0.29 in MAC (Macaíba) population. Resulting from a Bayesian analysis, the genotypes were divided into four groups (K = 4). The allelic diversity patterns observed indicated the occurrence of the genetic bottleneck in all populations, according to the stepwise mutation model (SMM). The infinite allele model (IAM) revealed an imbalance between mutation and genetic drift only in the PAD population. Genetic conservation strategies for H. speciosa should cover each genetic group that was differentially structured. We recommend in situ conservation and the creation of germplasm banks, especially with the PAD population which demonstrated the lower genetic diversity and decreased effective population size according to the two mutational models.

Knowledge of the genetic diversity of the threatened tree species in the Brazilian semiarid region may contribute to the creation of effective strategies for their preservation and future use. The aim of this study was to select ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) primers capable of detecting genetic polymorphism among Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth. individuals for a study of the genetic diversity of this species. A total of 27 ISSR primers were tested for their ability to amplify genomic DNA of three individuals (bulk); all of them amplified regions between the simple sequence repeats of the genome, however seven ISSR primers showed a good standard of amplification compared to the others. The seven primers selected were used to amplify the genomic DNA of nine individuals and generated a total of 78 loci, of which 52.7% were polymorphic. The content of polymorphic information of the primers ranged from 0.261 to 0.489, showing that selected primers are moderately informative; bootstrap analysis determined that 51 loci were enough to estimate the genetic diversity of the samples of individuals. We concluded that the markers generated by the primers UBC 807, UBC 824, UBC 827, UBC 840, UBC 851, UBC 873 and UBC 881 allow detection of the genetic polymorphism among individuals of M. caesalpiniaefolia, being useful to determine the genetic diversity of this species.

Conocer la diversidad genética de las especies de árbolesforestales en la región semiárida de Brasil puede contribuir al desarrollo de estrategias eficaces para su conservación y usofuturo. El objetivo de este estudiofue seleccionar iniciadores de ISSR (Secuencias Intergénicas Repetidas Simples) capaces de detectar polimorfismo genético entre individuos de Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth. para estudiar la diversidad genética de la especie. Un total de 27 iniciadores ISSR fueron probados por su capacidad para amplificar el ADN genómico de tres individuos. Todos los iniciadores amplificaron secuencias intergénicas repetidas en el genoma, pero siete fueron seleccionados porque presentaron un mejor patrón de amplificación. Los siete iniciadores seleccionados fueron utilizados para amplificar el ADN genómico a partir de nueve individuos y generaron un total de 78 loci, 52,7% de los cualesfueron polimórficas. El valor del contenido de la información de los iniciadores polimórficos varió de 0,261 a 0,489, demostrando que son moderadamente informativo y el análisis del impulso se determinó que 51 loci fueron suficientes para estimar la diversidad genética de la muestra de los individuos analizados. Los resultados indican que los marcadores generados por los iniciadores UBC 807, UBC 824, UBC 827, UBC 840, UBC 851, UBC 873 y UBC 881 permiten detectarpolimorfismo genético entre individuos de M. caesalpiniaefolia y pueden ser utilizados para estimar la diversidad genética para esta especie.

RESUMO O conhecimento da diversidade genética de espécies nativas é de grande valia quando se objetiva o melhoramento e a conservação de populações naturais. Neste sentido, o objetivodeste trabalho foi selecionar iniciadores ISSR (inter repetições de sequências simples) para Hancornia speciosa (Apocynaceae), assim como quantificar a variabilidade genética em uma população natural. Foramamostrados 15 indivíduos de uma população localizada em Natal-RN. Amostras de caule foram coletadas para a posterior extração do DNA. DNA. Para a seleção, 19 primers ISSR foram testados, dos quais seis foram eficientes, apresentando locos nítidos e em maior número (UBC 808; UBC 810; UBC 826; UBC 827; UBC 841 e UBC 842), totalizando 63 locos. Desses, apenas 30 (47,62%) apresentaram polimorfismo. O valor de PIC (conteúdo de informações polimórficas) para os primers selecionados atingiu a média de 0,37, variando de 0,26 a 0,44. A diversidade genética foi considerada baixa dentro da população, com o número de alelos observados (na =1,48), número de alelos efetivos (ne = 1,32), índice de diversidade de Nei (He = 0,18) e índice de Shannon (I = 0,26). Os padrões de diversidade alélica encontrados indicam a ocorrência de um gargalo populacional recente. A utilização de marcadores ISSR para Hancornia speciosa mostrou-se eficaz para a quantificação da diversidade genética dos indivíduos, servindo como aporte para estratégias e planos que visem à conservação e à manutenção da espécie.

ABSTRACT The knowledge of genetic diversity of native species has great value when it aims at the improvement and conservation of natural populations. In that direction, theobjective of this study is to select ISSR primers (inter simple sequence repeat) to Hancornia speciosa(Apocynaceae), as to quantify the genetic variability of a natural population. It was sampled 15 individuals of a population located in Natal/RN. Stem samples were collected for subsequent DNA extraction. For the selection, 19 IRSS primers were tested, six of them were effective, presenting clearer and numerous loci (UBC 808, UBC 810, UBC 826, UBC 827, UBC 841, UBC 842) totaling 63 loci. Of which, only 30 (47.62%) presented polymorphism. The value of PIC (polymorphic information content) for the selected primers averaged 0.37, ranging from 0.26 to 0.44. Genetic diversity was considered low in the population, with the number of observed alleles (na = 1.48), number of effective alleles (ne = 1.32), diversity index of Nei (He = 0.18) and Shannon index (I = 0.26). The allelic diversity patterns found indicates the occurrence of a recent population bottleneck. The use of ISSR markers for Hancornia speciosa is effective as measuring the genetic diversity of individuals, working as a support for strategies and plans that aim the conservation and maintenance of the species.