Early results from genetic trials on the growth of Spanish cedar and its susceptibility to the shoot borer moth in the Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

Cedrela odorata (Spanish cedar) is a neotropical broadleaf tree species that is in high demand for furniture and interior fittings. In 1998, seed collections were made from Spanish cedar in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, for genetic conservation and tree improvement projects. Progeny from these collections were established in genetic trials at Bacalar, Noh Bec, and Zoh Laguna in the Yucatan. Survival at 2 years was 73.5% at Bacalar, 72% at Noh Bec, but only 20% after 6 months for several replicates at Zoh Laguna. Mean 2-year height, number of years of Hypsipyla attack on apical shoots (over 2 or 3 years) and total branching over 2 years, were 1.3 m, 0.04 years, and 2.5 branches at Bacalar, and 1.9 m, 0.35 years, and 1.6 branches at Noh Bec. Selection of the three best provenances (Escárcega, Bacalar, and Calakmul) would result in an estimated cross-site gain of 8.6% in 2-year height. Within-provenance, cross-site heritabilities for 2-year height, shoot borer attack, and branching were 0.1 ± 0.02, 0.0 ± 0.02, and 0.0 ± 0.02, respectively. Single-site heritabilities for height at 2 years, shoot borer attack, and branching were 0.09 ± 0.05, 0.02 ± 0.04, and 0.09 ± 0.05 at Bacalar and 0.16 ± 0.07, 0.0 ± 0.06, and 0.0 ± 0.07 at Noh Bec. Given the known advantage of rapid growth to avoid Hypsipyla damage over the long term and the stable performance of provenances across sites for growth traits, we recommend provenance selection over multiple trials to reduce the risk of serious damage by the insect. Good provenances and other suitable seed sources, as well as proper site selection and silvicultural practices, are important tools for increasing yields from plantations of C. odorata.     

Sustained mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) plantation heartwood increment

In a search for an increment-based rotation for plantation mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King), heartwood volume per tree was regressed on DBH (trunk diameter outside bark at 1.4 m above the ground) and merchantable height measurements. We updated a previous study [Wadsworth, F.H., González González, E., Figuera Colón, J.C., Lugo Pérez, J., 2003. Fifty-nine year performance of planted big-leaf mahogany (S. macrophylla King) in Puerto Rico. In: Lugo, A. Figueroa Colón, J.C., Alayón, M. (Eds.), Big-leaf Mahogany, Genetics, Ecology, and Management. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 343–357] and determined heartwood volume increment in a plantation between the 40th and 69th years. Although DBH growth rate declined with age, that for heartwood increased throughout the entire 69 years. This, with expected growing value per unit of heartwood volume with tree size, presents incentives for long rotations.     

Post-logging loss of genetic diversity in a mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King,Meliaceae) population in Brazilian Amazonia

Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King, Meliaceae) is the most valuable widely traded timber species from the Neotropics. Mahogany has been severely overexploited throughout its natural range, which stretches from southern Mexico through Central and South America as far south as the Bolivian Amazon. We investigated effects of selective logging on the genetic diversity of a mahogany population in eastern Amazonia. Using eight hypervariable microsatellite loci, we estimated the number of alleles per locus (A), mean expected and observed heterozygosity (H_e, H_o), the number of distinct multilocus genotypes (G_o), and the inbreeding coefficient (f) for pre- and post-logging cohorts (adults and seedlings) collected over identical spatial scales. We found a significant reduction in the number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, and distinct multilocus genotype number in the post- compared to the pre-logging cohort. The loss of genetic diversity is likely to have occurred due to a reduction in the effective population size as a consequence of logging, which leads to the loss of alleles and limits mating possibilities. The results raise concerns about the conservation genetics of logged mahogany populations where a high proportion of adults are removed from the system. We suggest initiatives to promote the maintenance of genetic diversity as an integral part of the production system, allowing genetically sustainable use of this valuable timber resource.     

The utility of the predictive decapitation test as a tool for early genetic selection for Hypsipyla tolerance in big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King)

The plantation silviculture of mahogany (Swietenia spp.) has been severely limited by the attack of the mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla spp.), which greatly reduces or nullifies the commercial timber value of attacked trees by causing forking low on the stem. Selection for resistance, including tolerance (the capacity to retain apical dominance after attack), is widely considered to have potential as one element in an integrated pest management system. It has been suggested that the response of young seedlings to a predictive decapitation test might be useful as a means of detecting genotypes with high tolerance. This paper describes a pilot provenance/progeny experiment aimed at exploring this hypothesis. The number of shoots produced in response to attacks in the first year of field growth by Costa Rican material was found to be significantly correlated with response to decapitation in the nursery, on both individual tree and family mean bases. It appears, therefore, that the decapitation test could have a role in early selection for tolerance of Hypsipyla in mahogany. However, the presence of within-provenance genetic variation in response to Hypsipyla attack was not established.     

Enrichment of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) in logging gaps in Bolivia: The effects of planting method and silvicultural treatments on long-term seedling survival and growth

To insure adequate regeneration and future timber yields of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King), many logged forests will have to be restocked through enrichment planting and managed using silvicultural techniques that maintain this species’ long-term survival and growth. This study compared the effects of planting method and two silvicultural treatments on the survival and growth of mahogany seedlings in logging gaps in Bolivia. We tested the hypotheses that survival and growth will be higher among transplanted seedlings than seedlings established from sown seeds and higher in silvicultural treatments that reduce competing vegetation and increase light. The first silvicultural treatment consisted of gaps logged 6 months prior to planting, gaps logged just prior to planting, and gaps treated with herbicide prior to planting. The second treatment, applied 12 months after planting, consisted of manual vegetation cleaning around mahogany seedlings in half of the gaps. The first hypothesis was supported in terms of initial seedling growth but not survival, which was similar between planting methods during the 12-92 months after planting. Transplanted seedlings grew significantly faster than those established from sown seeds during the first year, but this growth advantage disappeared by the second year. Although transplants were 84 cm taller than seed-sown seedlings by the end of the study, this height gain was probably not worth the cost of growing and transplanting seedlings. The second hypothesis was supported in terms of both survival and growth. A significantly greater proportion of seedlings survived in herbicide (62%) compared to 6-month-old (46%) and recent gaps (18%) and in cleaned (51%) versus control gaps (39%). Seedlings initially grew faster in herbicide and recent gaps than in 6-month-old gaps. These differences among silvicultural treatments were largely explained by canopy cover, which, throughout the study, was at least 14% lower in herbicide gaps and 9% lower in cleaned gaps relative to their respective alternatives. By 64 months growth diminished to near zero and no longer differed among gap treatments, despite lower canopy cover in herbicide gaps. By 92 months, saplings in herbicide gaps were only 145 and 77 cm taller than those in recent and 6-month-old gaps, respectively. To maximize survival and growth of mahogany seedlings in logging gaps while minimizing costs, silvicultural strategies should focus on direct seed sowing and appropriately timed interventions (i.e. manual cleaning) to control competing vegetation.     

Experimental establishment of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) seedlings on two soil types in native forest of Pará, Brazil

Research into the mechanisms underlying edaphic associations reported for many tropical forest tree species, including those in the Meliaceae, has paid little attention to the earliest post-dispersal life stages. We conducted a reciprocal sowing experiment to examine germination and establishment rates of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) during the first seedling growing season in two local edaphic habitats in southeastern Amazonia. In this region, adult populations are restricted primarily to low-ground soils associated with seasonal streams, but rarely are found on high-ground soils. Soil analyses revealed that low-ground soils at the study site were silty loams whereas high-ground soils were clays. High-ground soils were less acidic and more fertile than low-ground soils, especially with respect to total nitrogen, Mg, and sum of basic cations.     

Tree infection by Hypsipyla grandella in Swietenia macrophylla and Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) in Mexico's southern Yucatan Peninsula

In small-scale plantations (0.5–2 ha) of Swietenia macrophylla King (big-leaf mahogany) and Cedrela odorata L. (Spanish cedar) in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, we evaluated whether the proportion of Hypsipyla grandella (mahogany shoot borer) was affected by the species used in the plantation (S. macrophylla, C. odorata or both) or by the density and height of individuals planted. We found that the proportion of infected individuals did not differ between the species used in plantations, either planted as monocultures or in mixed plantations. The proportion of infected S. macrophylla and C. odorata individuals in plantations differed among locations and was affected by the mean height of planted individuals, but was not affected by the density of individuals planted.     

What loggers leave behind: Impacts on big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) commercial populations and potential for post-logging recovery in the Brazilian Amazon

The sustainability of current harvest practices for high-value Meliaceae can be assessed by quantifying logging intensity and projecting growth and survival by post-logging populations over anticipated intervals between harvests. From 100%-area inventories of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) covering 204 ha or more at eight logged and unlogged forest sites across southern Brazilian Amazonia, we report generally higher landscape-scale densities and smaller population-level mean diameters in eastern forests compared to western forests, where most commercial stocks survive. Density of trees ≥20 cm diameter varied by two orders of magnitude and peaked at 1.17 ha⁻¹. Size class frequency distributions appeared unimodal at two high-density sites, but were essentially amodal or flat elsewhere; diameter increment patterns indicate that populations were multi- or all-aged. At two high-density sites, conventional logging removed 93–95% of commercial trees (≥45 cm diameter at the time of logging), illegally eliminated 31–47% of sub-merchantable trees, and targeted trees as small as 20 cm diameter. Projected recovery by commercial stems during 30 years after conventional logging represented 9.9–37.5% of initial densities and was highly dependent on initial logging intensity and size class frequency distributions of commercial trees. We simulated post-logging recovery over the same period at all sites according to the 2003 regulatory framework for mahogany in Brazil, which raised the minimum diameter cutting limit to 60 cm and requires retention during the first harvest of 20% of commercial-sized trees. Recovery during 30 years ranged from approximately 0 to 31% over 20% retention densities at seven of eight sites. At only one site where sub-merchantable trees dominated the population did the simulated density of harvestable stems after 30 years exceed initial commercial densities. These results indicate that 80% harvest intensity will not be sustainable over multiple cutting cycles for most populations without silvicultural interventions ensuring establishment and long-term growth of artificial regeneration to augment depleted natural stocks, including repeated tending of outplanted seedlings. Without improved harvest protocols for mahogany in Brazil as explored in this paper, future commercial supplies of this species as well as other high-value tropical timbers are endangered. Rapid changes in the timber industry and land-use in the Amazon are also significant challenges to sustainable management of mahogany.     

Senescence of Manilkara zapota trees and implications for large frugivorous birds in the Southern Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

It has long been established that mature forests are mosaics of patches in different development phases but it has seldom explicitly been taken into account in ecological studies. We demonstrate here that these development phases, which are related to the population dynamics of trees, play an important role in the distribution of fauna based on observations on frugivorous birds. In an area close to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, we studied the abundance of large forest bird species in relation to forest development phases, with a methodology that seems promising for ecological diagnosis and prognosis in forest management planning. Fine-scale forest mapping and bird counts were carried out in two block-transects of 40 m × 3000 m. Tree sampling in a sub-transect was used to generate population characteristics of trees. Large bird species preferred mature or senescent forest patches, whereas relatively young, growing forest patches were avoided. Important large tree species such as Manilkara zapota, Thouinia paucidentata, Guaiacum sanctum and Esenbeckia pentaphylla, characteristic of older forest patches, showed skewed size distributions indicating stress or overexploitation. The population of M. zapota, a key fruiting species that accounted for 26.5% of the total woody biomass, was most heavily affected by stress. A future collapse in the population of M. zapota, a decrease of the total area of older forest, and a decline in the abundance of large birds is likely if stress on the system continues at this level.     

Regeneration of mahogany and Spanish cedar in gaps created by railroad tie extraction in Quintana Roo,Mexico

Seeds of mahogany and Spanish cedar were planted in gaps created by harvesting railroad ties at two locations in the Yucatan Peninsula. Gaps averaged 40 m² in area. Germination after 2 months was very low (2%) for Spanish cedar and moderately low (29%) for mahogany at the one location where it was measured, probably due to predation and fungal damage. Annual seedling mortality was 25–40%, and height growth was moderate to normal, with average height equal to 45 cm after 3 or 4 years, depending upon the location. We conclude that gaps from railroad tie harvesting are not adequate for the establishment of either species from seed. If, however, gaps created by harvesting could be concentrated into at least moderately open areas 400 m² in area or larger, they may be useful as sites for regenerating both species.     

Relative susceptibility of four species of African mahogany to the shoot borer Hypsipyla robusta (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the moist semideciduous forest of Ghana

We examined the relative susceptibility of four mahogany species, Khaya ivorensis, Khaya anthotheca, Entandrophragma angolense, and E. utile, to Hypsipyla robusta attack. Seeds were obtained from one to three parent trees for each species. The research was conducted in the moist semideciduous forest zone in Ghana and used a randomized complete block design. Tree height and diameter and height to first branch were measured until 24 months after out-planting in the field. H. robusta damage was assessed by counting the numbers of shoots attacked, branches, and dead shoots. Khaya spp. grew better but experienced more attack than Entandrophragma spp. The relative susceptibility to H. robusta attack, from most to least, of the four species was: K. anthotheca > K. ivorensis > E. angolense > E. utile. At 24 months, the mean number of shoots attacked per tree ranged from 1.0 for an E. utile seed source to 3.6 on for a K. anthotheca seed source. At 15 months, K. anthotheca and K. ivorensis started branching at about 1.5 m, but height of clear trunk increased over time due to self-pruning. As K. anthotheca grew taller, the number of H. robusta attacks per tree declined. This suggested that selection of genotypes and species that are tolerant of H. robusta attack based on infestation of young plants may not be appropriate. Genetic factors more completely reflecting the response of different species and genotypes to H. robusta attack may manifest themselves at later growth stages.     

Effect of habitat and grazing on the regeneration of wild Agave cupreata in Guerrero, Mexico

Agave cupreata is harvested from tropical dry forests, oak forests, and other habitats by rural communities in the Chilapa region of Guerrero, Mexico to make mescal, a traditional and culturally important liquor. Local management systems use various techniques to regulate Agave harvest and encourage regeneration, including the exclusion of cattle. This study examines the impacts of cattle exclusion and of the different habitat types on the population structure and density of A. cupreata. Sampling was conducted in pastures, oak forest, tropical dry forest, and mixed oak-tropical dry forest using 54 transects of 1000 m², where Agave was counted by size-class and measurements were taken of the vegetation and physical environment. Transects were divided between areas with cattle present and cattle excluded in all four habitats except for oak forest, where all areas were open to cattle. Agave density per 1000 m² was highest in pasture (148 ± 5, mean ± SE), followed by oak forest (100 ± 4), tropical dry forest (88 ± 5) and mixed oak-dry forest (81 ± 2). The size-class structures of Agave populations were also significantly different between vegetation types, with oak forest supporting higher seedling densities but lower numbers of juveniles. A regression subset selection algorithm showed that one of the most important factors influencing Agave populations was the presence of cattle, which can reduce densities by trampling and grazing on seedlings and floral stalks. Cattle presence significantly lowered Agave densities in the smaller size classes in all vegetation types but did not significantly alter size-class structure. Total Agave density per 1000 m² was significantly higher in transects where cattle were absent (148 ± 4) than where cattle were present (81 ± 1). In all areas sampled, the high number of juveniles relative to other size-classes suggests that Agave populations are successfully regenerating in the Chilapa region, and the higher Agave densities in fenced areas suggest that local management techniques are effectively increasing Agave yields. These results highlight the potential for sustainable management of Agave to conserve forest habitats while also providing important income from mescal to local communities in the region.     

特有种野生血皮槭的生长状况

血皮槭(Acer griseum(Franch)Pax)是无患子科(Sapindaceae)槭树属(Acer)落叶乔木,为我国特有种。其树干赭褐色,树皮卷曲状剥落,秋季叶色红艳或黄色,是世界著名的观赏树种。1901年,西方植物学家威尔逊在湖北发现血皮槭,将其和珙桐一起作为园林树种引入欧洲[1],继而血皮槭又被引入美国等其他西方国家。1993年,血皮槭获得英国皇家园艺学会园艺奖,目前在国外用于庭院观赏。血皮槭不仅具有观赏价值,而且具有用材和药用价值[2-3]。血皮槭在2004年出版的《中国物种红色目     

Growth and nutrition of Pinus radiata in response to fertilizer applied after thinning and interaction with defoliation associated with Essigella californica

Infestations of Essigella californica following the installation of post-thinning fertilizer trials in Pinus radiata plantations provided an opportunity to examine the impact of repeated defoliation over a period of 8 years (1997–2005). Replicated treatments (n = 4) of nil fertilizer (control), N (300 kg ha⁻¹) as urea, P (80 kg ha⁻¹) and S (45 kg ha⁻¹) as superphosphates were applied immediately after thinning at three sites and this was followed by a second application of NPS fertilizers 6 years later with N applied at 300 kg ha⁻¹ as urea and ammonium sulphate and P at 80 or 120 kg ha⁻¹. Defoliation of untreated P. radiata gradually increased to 50% over a period of 8 years. Basal area growth was negatively correlated with average defoliation for two consecutive post-fertilizer periods of 6 and 2 years. Growth responses to fertilizer varied considerably between sites but the largest improvement in growth was due to NPS fertilizer, this increased basal area by 30–80%. Application of N fertilizer raised total N levels in foliage and increased defoliation with a commensurate loss in growth under conditions of deficiencies of S or P. Repeated infestations gradually increased the percentage of trees with severe defoliation (>80% loss of foliage) indicating that nutrient-deficient trees have a reduced capacity for foliage recovery between episodes of peak infestation. In contrast, treatment with N fertilizer in combination with S- and P-corrected deficiencies of these nutrients, raised levels of total N in foliage and reduced defoliation to approximately 20%. Basal area growth responses to NPS fertilizers reflected improved nutrition as well as reduced insect damage. The reduction in defoliation under conditions of balanced tree nutrition was most likely due to enhanced needle retention following correction of P deficiency as well as greater availability of nutrients enabling a more vigorous recovery of P. radiata after an episode of E. californica activity. Treatment with fertilizer therefore reduced the long-term impact of aphid damage and improved growth of P. radiata.     

日本落叶松体细胞胚胎发生相关基因LaSERK1的克隆与表达分析

本研究克隆了日本落叶松体细胞胚胎发生相关受体类蛋白激酶基因 LaSERK1,并检测了在不同培养条件下LaSERK1的表达情况,发现LaSERK1与已发现的其他物种SERK1 基因有高度相似性,qRT-PCR结果显示： LaSERK1在体胚发生早期高表达。结果表明：LaSERK1可能在落叶松体胚发育早期起重要作用,LaSERK1 也可能成为早期胚性细胞的标记基因。     

A study on the geographic variation and selection of the best provenance ofLarix olgensis

On the basis of the results from the geographic provenance test of nine years oldlarix olgensis in Liangshui Natural Reserve of our university, a study on the geographic varition and the primary selection of the best provenance ofLarix olgensis was carried out. The main results are as follows: I.The different provenances ofLarix olgensis have rich and wide genetic variation, and exist a linear correlation with latitude and longitude in collection area. General trends are enumerated below: Provenances at lower latitude and more west longitude have lighter thousand seed weight, short growth period, higher increment, wide branches, rich leaves and crown as well as worst adaptabillity. It is a dual-way variation along with two directions of latitude and longitude, and also embodies a change gradually in climate condition from south to north. The temperatures in seed production site, especially the mean temperature in January and ≥10 °C accumulated temperature, are important factors that produce geographic variation forlarix olgensis. 2. The variation of different provenances in periodic biological phenomena and growth rhythm trends are that: 1 both of the provenances from Changbai Mt. (III) and Dashitou(IV) at low latitude belong to the centralized growth type, and have shout growth period, the difference between these two provenances is that the provenance from Changbai Mt. grows well in all time, Dashitou provennce is well only in later period; 2 the provenance from Baidao Mt. (II) at middle latitude belongs to even growth type and has longer grpwth period, this provenance has higher increment in early and later periods relatively; 3 Xiaobeihu provenance at high latitude is a growth type among II. III and IV provenances and has a general growth period, the provenance grows better in middle time and worse in later time. 3. The best provenance in Liangshui Natural Reserve and its meighbourhood is Dashitou Procenance, which growth in height, diameter and volume has exceeded 16. 28%, 46. 27%, 30. 58%, 78. 20, 82. 00% as well as 392. 00% by comparison with the mean value of the contrast and the worst provenance respectively, The result from the height growth of three, five, seven and nine years oldLarix olgensis by using the method of order correlation analysis demonstrates that it is possible to make early selection of the provenance. Meanwhile, data from juvenile and mature oflarix olgensis plantation also prove the reliability of the early selection. 4. The provenance heritabilities of nine years oldlarix olgensis in Liangshui Natural Reserve are follows: The heritability of the height growth (h²) is 0.79; The heritability of the diameter breast height (h²) is 0.791; The geretic gain is 24.5% and 40.36% respectively.     

柚木花粉离体萌发试验

柚木(Tectona grandis L.f.)是世界名贵的用材树种,天然分布于印度、缅甸、泰国和老挝[1],具有生长快、用途广、纹理美观和价格昂贵的特点,已在热带、南亚热带地区广为引种,是世界上人工林种植面积最大的4个树种之一,也是单位面积产值最高的一个造林树种[2-3]。我国引种柚木已有170多年的     

Provenance and family variation in growth performance of Eucalyptus tereticornis (Sm.) in a provenance cum progeny trial in Midnapore, India

Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. is an important species for agroforestry and commercial plantations in India. Results of a combined provenance–progeny trial of E. tereticornis laid out in 2002 at Midnapore (West Bengal) located in eastern tropical region of India are reported and discussed. Twelve provenances representing 70 families from Australia and Papua New Guinea were evaluated up to the age of 3 years. As a local seed source open-pollinated seed collected from a land race, i.e., Mysore gum (commonly known as Eucalyptus hybrid) was used to serve as check material (control). Significant variation in plant height, clean stem height, girth at breast height (GBH) and field survival was observed due to provenances, as well as families within provenances. This offers an ample scope to a breeder for increasing the growth and productivity in E. tereticornis through selection of provenances and families having potential for higher productivity. Heritability (narrow sense) values were appreciable for growth traits. Within provenance individual tree heritability estimates for height, clean stem length, GBH and number of branches at age 3 years were 0.318, 0.215, 0.269 and 0.231, respectively (assuming a coefficient of relationship of 0.4 for open-pollinated families of E. tereticornis). Provenance of Walsh River, Queensland Australia performed best for plant height, clean stem height, GBH, number of branches and field survival. Apart from this, the provenance from Oro bay to Emo, Papua New Guinea and Burdekin river, Queensland also showed good performance. Provenance from Yurammie, SF from New South Wales performed poorest for growth and survival. Correlations on growth traits were high and statistically significant, indicating that substantial gains could be achieved through indirect selection for one trait based on the direct selection for another. Age–age genetic correlations between age 1 and 3 years for the growth traits were highly significant and positive. Geographic clinal variation pattern was observed as latitude was negatively correlated with height and GBH (P < 0.05); longitude with number of branches (negative, P < 0.05). Fair differences were observed between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability.     

Antitrypanosomal activity of polycarpol from Piptostigma preussi (Annonaceae)

Polycarpol, sitosterol and sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside isolated for the first time from Piptostigma preussi (Annonaceae) occur regularly in some Annonaceae such as Piptostigma genus. Polycarpol exhibits interesting antitrypanosomal activity with an ED₅₀ value of 5.11 µM on Trypanosoma brucei cells. Moreover, it inhibits T. brucei glycolytic enzymes GAPDH and PFK with IC₅₀ values of 650 and 180 µM respectively.     

Fragmentation and spatial genetic structure in Tabebuia ochracea (Bignoniaceae) a seasonally dry Neotropical tree

In this study we investigate the effect of fragmentation and disturbance on the spatial genetic structure, heterozygosity and inbreeding in Tabebuia ochracea (Bignoniaceae) in a seasonally Neotropical dry forest in the medium São Francisco River basin, Centre-East Brazil, based on the polymorphism at seven microsatellite loci. Four populations with different histories of disturbance and fragmentation were sampled: two continuous population (CP1 and CP2), with no history of recent disturbance and two fragmented and isolated population (FP1 and FP2), with recent history of disturbance due to logging for pasture establishment. Fragmented and continuous populations did not differ in any estimated parameter. However, all populations showed low levels of polymorphism and genetic diversity and high levels of inbreeding. Also, no spatial genetic structure was detected for populations using SPAGeDI software and no differentiation between these four populations was detected by Bayesian analyses performed with STRUCTURE software (K = 1). Differentiation measure by Wright's θ (0.032) and Hedrick G_ST (0.032) were significant but low. Our results strongly suggest that continuous populations are seed sources for the fragmented populations and that fragmentation and disturbance have been affecting these populations of T. ochracea in the Centre-East Brazil, leading to low levels of polymorphism and genetic diversity, and high inbreeding. Therefore, conservation efforts should increase in this region, with a reduction of agriculture expansion and the remove of cultivated areas and cattle from the Mata Seca and Lagoa do Cajueiro State Parks.