Reproductive Ecology of Lecythis Pisonis in Brazilian Agroforestry Systems: Implications for Conservation and Genetic Diversity

Peer-reviewed article (Forests, MDPI, 2025) analyzing the reproductive system, paternity and pollen dispersal of the tropical tree Lecythis pisonis (Sapucaia) in "cabruca" cocoa agroforestry systems of southern Bahia, Brazil (Ilhéus and Uruçuca). Using eight nuclear microsatellite (SSR) markers, mixed-mating models and paternity analysis on 287 offspring from 12 mother trees plus 40 adults, the study found that Sapucaia reproduces exclusively by outcrossing (Tm = 1.000), with minimal biparental inbreeding and pollen flow reaching an average ~6 km (max 15.26 km), mediated by the bee Xylocopa frontalis. Findings underscore the role of cabruca and habitat connectivity in conserving the genetic diversity of native trees.