Characterization of Genetic Resources with
Molecular Markers from Germplasm Collections of Two Native Species from the
Amazon
Genetic improvement, Microsatellites, SNPs, Active Germplasm Bank
Genetic resources
The sustainable use of Amazon forest resources is important not only for ecological
conservation but also for supporting local communities by strengthening their culture and
economy. Brazil nuts and cocoa, both emblematic products of the Amazon bioeconomy,
are examples of this potential. The objective of this study was to characterize, using
molecular markers, the germplasms of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and cacao
(Theobroma cacao) conserved in a working collection and a Germplasm Bank in the state
of Rondonia, respectively. For the genotyping of Brazil nuts, microsatellite markers were
used, while SNP markers were applied for cacao. Molecular marker data were used to
assess the genetic variability of the accessions and identify their degrees of relatedness.
Preliminary genetic analysis, using the software Genemapper, Clumpak, and Structure,
determined a Delta K value of 3 for both species. These results indicate a consistent
genetic structure, which can contribute to the management and conservation of genetic
resources within the Active Germplasm Bank for cacao and the Working Collection for
Brazil nuts.