The aim of this paper was to evaluate the spatial pattern of the genetic variability among plants, within local populations of "barueiro" (Dipteryx alata Vogel), using RAPD markers and spatial autocorrelation analyses. The five RAPD primers used allowed the coding of 45 loci used for standard analyses of diversity, structure and spatial distribution of genetic variability within each local population. These populations showed considerable amount of genetic diversity, with an average Hs of 0.314. From the total genetic variation 12% occur among the three local populations studied, indicating that each of these contains a significant amount of variation. Within each population, this variability is structured with significant and positive spatial autocorrelation in the first three distance classes, suggesting the existence of neighbor groups of genetically similar individuals. The size of these neighbor groups, however, varies among local populations; this shows that other ecological components affected the spatial structure of genetic diversity. Natural populations of "barueiro" present considerable levels of genetic diversity, based on 45 RAPD loci analysed.
spatial autocorrelation; baru; conservation; familiar structure; genetic flow; RAPD
