Abstract
Cynara cardunculus L. is a cardoon species native to the Mediterranean region, which is composed of three botanical taxa, each having distinct biological characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine wild populations of C. cardunculus established in Portugal, in order to determine their genetic diversity, geographic distribution, and population structure. Based on SSR markers, 121 individuals of C. cardunculus from 17 wild populations of the Portuguese Alentejo region were identified and analysed. Ten SSRs were found to be efficient markers in the genetic diversity analysis. The total number of alleles ranged from 9 to 17 per locus. The expected and observed means in heterozygosity, by population analysed, were 0.591 and 0.577, respectively. The wild population exhibited a high level of genetic diversity at the species level. The highest proportion of genetic variation was identified within a geographic group, while variation was lower among groups. Geographic areas having highest genetic diversity were identified in Alvito, Herdade da Abóboda, Herdade da Revilheira and Herdade de São Romão populations. Moreover, significant genetic differentiation existed between wild populations from North-Alentejo geographic locations (Arraiolos, Évora, Monte da Chaminé) and Centro Hortofrutícola, compared with other populations. This study reports genetic diversity among a representative number of wild populations and genotypes of C. cardunculus from Portugal. These results will provide valuable information towards future management of C. cardunculus germplasm.
Highlights
Cynara cardunculus L. is a perennial species native to the Mediterranean area and is well adapted to hot and dry climates
SSR markers were used to characterize genetic diversity of 121 genotypes of C. cardunculus collected across the Alentejo region, from 17 Portuguese populations
Understanding genetic diversity and population structure of C. cardunculus is critical for efficient management of its genetic characteristics when designing suitable cultivars
Summary
Cynara cardunculus L. is a perennial species native to the Mediterranean area and is well adapted to hot and dry climates. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, and it comprises three botanical varieties: C. cardunculus var. As a source of several nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds, such as phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpenes [12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20], due their biological activity, C. cardunculus has been well studied regarding its biological potential. According to studies that characterized chemically the different parts of C. cardunculus plants [leaves, stalks and capitula (receptacle and bracts, and florets) [21, 22]], cardoon is a rich source of different valuable compounds. Cynaropicrin biological potential is well described, as well as its use in the food industry [24, 25]
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