Preliminary insights of the genetic diversity and invasion pathways of
Cedrela odorata in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
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.