SELECTION OF Handroanthus impetiginosus MOTHER TREES TO SUPPORT SEED COLLECTION AREAS

ABSTRACT Handroanthus impetiginosus is a Brazilian native tree threatened by illegal logging that needs conservation strategies. Due to the need obtain seeds of high genetic and physiological quality, this study aimed select mother trees, aiming at installation Seed Collection Areas H. impetiginosus. Therefore, diversity quality from 63 individuals natural population in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were evaluated. The molecular markers revealed studied has intrapopulation (Nei’s = 0.35; Shannon index 0.52). Subsequently, germination seed vigor tests evaluated trees. Of total, 45 produced intermediate quality. with Nei’s distance < 0.72 greater than 50% can be selected as potential propose Area.