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Preliminary insights of the genetic diversity and invasion pathways of Cedrela odorata in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
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  • Martina Albuja-Quintana,
  • Gonzalo Rivas-Torres,
  • Karla Rojas López,
  • Pacarina Asadobay,
  • Walter Palacios Cuenca,
  • Génesis Vinueza,
  • Maria Torres
Martina Albuja-Quintana
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
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Gonzalo Rivas-Torres
Universidad San Francisco de Quito Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales
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Karla Rojas López
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
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Pacarina Asadobay
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
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Walter Palacios Cuenca
Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad
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Génesis Vinueza
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
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Maria Torres
Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Cedrela odorata is considered the second most invasive tree species of the Galapagos Islands. Although it is listed in CITES Appendix II and there are population losses in mainland Ecuador, in Galapagos it is paradoxically a species of concern due to its invasive potential. Genetic studies can shed light on the invasion history of introduced species causing effects on unique ecosystems like the Galapagos. We analyzed nine microsatellite markers in C. odorata individuals from Galapagos and mainland Ecuador to describe the genetic diversity and population structure of C. odorata in the Galapagos and to explore the origin and invasion history of this species. The genetic diversity found for C. odorata in Galapagos (He = 0.55) was lower than reported in the mainland (He = 0.81), but higher than other invasive insular plant species, which could indicate multiple introductions. Our results suggest that Ecuador’s northern Coastal region is the most likely origin of the Galapagos C. odorata, although further genomic studies are needed to confirm this finding. Moreover, according to our proposed pathway scenarios, C. odorata was first introduced to San Cristobal and/or Santa Cruz from mainland Ecuador. After these initial introductions, C. odorata appears to have arrived to Isabela and Floreana from either San Cristobal or Santa Cruz. Here, we report the first genetic study of C. odorata in the Galapagos and the first attempt to unravel the invasion history of this species. The information obtained in this research could support management and control strategies to lessen the impact that C. odorata has on the islands’ local flora and fauna.
Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
08 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
19 Jun 20241st Revision Received
20 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Accept