Genetic diversity of Rhododendron dauricum based on morphological traits and SSR markers

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1533824
• Publication Date: 2025-02-06T07:12:06Z
• Authors: Dan Wang; Ying Ma; Xueli Zhao; Ling Wang
• Keywords: Plant culture; population structure; genetic diversity; Rhododendron dauricum L.; SSR; phenotypic diversity; SB1-1110

Rhododendron dauricum L. is one of the most important ornamental plants in Northeast China for its beautiful flowers. Wild R. populations are mainly distributed Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains Heilongjiang, China. The diversity germplasm resources these areas has not been determined it can be dynamic due to increasing climate change human activities, which poses a challenge effective conservation efforts. To promote genetic develop new varieties, we performed systematic morphological molecular evaluation 13 populations. results showed significant inter- intra-population variations. Clustering revealed 3 major groups. Importantly, showing extreme variations flower color number were used further two cultivars 'Ao Xue' 'Yanricai', respectively. In addition, nine SSR markers exhibited polymorphism among populations, 25 alleles found. Shannon information index (I) was 0.6359, (PIC) 0.3460. (Nei's) 0.3575, observable heterozygosity (Ho, 0.2514) lower than expected (He, 0.3722). average differentiation coefficient (Fst) 0.6556. Several with relatively high including Huzhong, Tahe, Hongxing identified. We also found that SSR-based clustering generally follows geographical distances Lastly, identified highly correlated leaf aspect ratio. Together, our data provided useful on distribution variation evolution dauricum, will valuable cultivar improvement, protection, future