Genetic diversity and structure of kola tree (Cola nitida) clones germplasm in Côte d’Ivoire using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers

Abstract

Abstract. Ouattara Y, Koffi KG, Séry DJ-M, Saraka DM, Pokou ND, Gba KKM, Bonsson B, Akaffou DS, Sié RS. 2022. Genetic diversity and structure of kola tree (Cola nitida) clones germplasm in Côte d’Ivoire using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers. Biodiversitas 23: 4677-4685. The kola nut comes from the cola tree (Cola nitida [Vent.] Schott & Endl.), a product of economic interest to Côte d’Ivoire. The country is the leading producer and exporter. However, much of its collection has been destroyed due to urbanization and deforestation. This has resulted in the loss of much of its genetic diversity. This study aimed to determine genetic diversity and structure of C. nitida in Côte d’Ivoire using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) markers. Thirty clones from Côte d’Ivoire (14 clones) and Nigeria (16 clones) cultivated in CNRA (Centre National de Recherche Agronomique) were analyzed using 145 SNPs. GBS (Genotyping by Sequencing) technique was used for the genotyping. The results confirmed the existence of both origins (Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria) by analyzing clones’ genetic structure and the principal coordinate analysis. The genetic diversity obtained was higher within origins than among origins. The two origins showed moderate differentiation (FST = 0.11) and the genetic distance was 0.46. The 30 clones were subdivided into six subgroups partially overlapping the geographical origins. Genetic differentiation among subgroups was moderate to very strong (FST ranging from 0.10 to 0.26). Four clones from Nigeria were close to those from Côte d’Ivoire. This genetic structuring highlights the possibilities for genetic improvement of kola trees in Côte d’Ivoire.