Genetic characterization of the coral tree (Erythrina velutina Willd.) in areas of low occurrence

The coral tree (Erythrina velutina Willd.), popularly known in Brazil as mulungu, presents various pharmacological properties and although extremely scarce, can be found in regions of the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Due to economic interests, producing information in order to set up plans for its conservation and sustainable exploitation becomes essential. The objective of this work was to characterize individuals of Erythrina velutina by means of ISSR markers. In order to do this, 40 individuals were studied from three locations in the State of Sergipe (The town of Pinhao - Caatinga; The towns of Santana do San Francisco and Sao Cristovao - Atlantic Forest). In total, 149 loci from 11 ISSR primers were obtained and evaluated. The minimum number of loci for the study of diversity in E. velutina was 117, agreeing with Kruskal's stress value. Spatial genetic structuring is seen in the population from Santana, but the population from Pinhao lacks this structuring; its individuals are distributed randomly, compromising sustainability over time and therefore requiring immediate action for its conservation and restoration.