Genetic characteristics of endemic Prunus tomentosa in China based on microsatellites

• DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-06324-0
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T04:51:42Z
• Authors: Tian Wan; Jing Zhou; Xin Yin; Feng An; Bai-xue Qiao; Zhuo-yang Yan; Bao-yan Li; Tian-hua Zhou; Yu-liang Cai

Prunus tomentosa Thunb, a fruit tree native to China, is an important and excellent plant material. It exhibits high adaptability almost all soil types climatic conditions. The germplasm resources are found in the six geographical regions of covering vast expanse, comprise variety ecological types. However, little known about genetic diversity population structure, with its abundant information. Nuclear simple sequence repeat markers, biparentally inherited characteristics, powerful for evaluating population. Therefore, this research assessed structure P. by collecting extensive samples. finding will contribute not only proposing scientific conservation strategies but also developing breed novel cherry cultivar. A total 822 germplasms from 40 populations were used assessing. indicators showed values, including observable heterozygosity (0.546), expected (0.819), Shannon's information index (I = 1.951), polymorphism content (0.799). displaying greatest diversity—Gan-XlM, Shaan-HM, Gan-ZhC. In addition, differentiation was detected. coefficient (FST) values calculated analysis molecular variance greater than 0.15. Gene flow relatively stable (number migrants [Nm] 1.065). Mantel test that there significant correlation (R2 0.065, P < 0.05) between distance populations. Integrated cluster, principal component indicated clustered into Northwest Group Northeast Group. Chuan-Aba, Xin-TKS, Xin-ALR clearly differentiated. or moderate polymorphism. within each higher There distance. Based on levers, most diverse populations—Gan-XlM, Shaan-HS, Gan-PL Gansu Shaanxi provinces, should first be protected applied innovation germplasm, followed significantly differentiated populations, Ning-HlM, Gan-PL.