ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF TEAK (Tectona grandis L. f.) GERMPLASM IN ECUADOR

Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a native species of Indochina that was introduced in 1950 into Ecuador, where it is currently in high demand in the timber industry. There are few local studies on population genetics and on the improvement of economically important forest species in this country, despite the fact that such studies are essential to find out about the diversity of and the relationships between populations and seed sources, as well as to identify the specimens that are resistant to adverse conditions, since these are the most suitable for the obtainment of specimens with a higher productivity and yield through the use of biotechnological tools. The purpose of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of and relationships between ten teak populations (six from Ecuador, three from Costa Rica, and one from Honduras) with RAPD markers. The data analysis pointed at the formation of two population groups -one of which included the populations from Ecuador, while the other comprised those from Costa Rica and Honduras. The Ecuadorian populations probably come from those of Pichilingue (INIAP) or Granada, which are the oldest and the richest in genetic diversity in the country. Later introductions of the species from Central America had no kinship with those previously established. The results evince the variability of teak as the product of the ongoing free natural pollination, as well as of the introduction of new gene sources.