Highest Diversity Values Research Articles

Morphological characterization and genetic diversity of mini core collection of Rosa damascena from Morocco

Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is a popular Rosa species cultivated for the industrial production of rose oil worldwide. In the current study, the morphological characteristics and genetic diversity among 12 populations of these species collected from Kelaat M’gouna in Morocco were examined to identify more variable traits and compare their genetic structure. Observations were recorded for a total of 24 morphological traits. The phenotypic variation coefficient (CV) of the studied traits varied from 4.79 % to 42.52 %, confirming the high phenotypic variation between accessions. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into two major clusters based on their morphological resemblance. For molecular investigations, nuclear DNA was amplified using 13 ISSR markers. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the highest proportion was within populations (87 %) rather than between them (13 %). Boutaghrar region recorded high values of genetic diversity (He = 0.237), percentage polymorphic loci (PPL = 67 %) and Shannon information index (I = 0.358) Clustering based on Jaccard similarity divided studied the accessions into three distinct clusters. STRUCTURE analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were consistent with the genetic relationships derived from cluster analysis. Our study suggests that the wide genetic variation and haplotype observed in Moroccan Damascene roses are valuable for future improvement and conservation of rose programs, particularly for enhancing commercial traits, flower yield, and breeding stability.

Phytoplankton Structure in a Coastal Region of the Eastern Entrance of the Gulf of California during La Niña 2022

This paper assessed the phytoplankton structure and its relationship with the physical environment in the coastal region off Mazatlán, Mexico, in two seasons of 2022, a year in which a strong La Niña event took place: (1) the warmer (August) and (2) the transitional period to the cold phase (November), based on hydrographic data and samples collected in two systematic scientific expeditions. The results showed clear differences between both seasons. Regarding total abundance, August reached 125,200 cells L−1, while November amounted to 219,900 cells L−1. Regarding species composition, the diatoms Cylindrotheca closterium and Planktoniella sol were dominant in August, while Thalassionema nitzschioides and Tetramphora decussata dominated the assemblages in November. The dinoflagellate Protoperidinium punctulatum was dominant in both seasons. However, very marked differences in its abundance are reported. The differences observed in the species richness and abundance could be attributed to the physical configuration of the water column, particularly the surface temperature, which showed clear changes between both seasons. The results presented here confirmed the high phytoplankton richness (some of them with the potential to generate harmful algal blooms), abundance, and diversity values of the region, suggesting a strong relationship with the physical environment.

Haplotype diversity of coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas, Muller 1785) based on 16S rRNA gene markers as a basis for conservation

Abstract Tachypleus gigas is one of horseshoe crab species found in Indonesia, but does not have sufficient molecular biology information available. This study aims to predict the populations health of T. gigas from the waters of Langkat, Semarang, and Bintan; through analysis of haplotype diversity based on 16S rRNA gene markers. The observation was conducted from November 2022 until April 2023. Sample’s total DNA was isolated, extracted, amplified and then sequenced to obtain the nucleotide base sequence. The BLASTn results showed that the samples were validated as Tachypleus gigas and the genetic distance between locations showed a close kinship relationship between the three. The population health of the horseshoe crabs from Langkat and Semarang were indicated good with high haplotype diversity values, meanwhile the Bintan indicated poor health with low haplotype diversity values. This study of haplotype diversity provided the starting point to the conservation of horseshoe crab T. gigas

Determining diagnostic characteristics of the nonmarine Ostracoda (Crustacea) and their habitat selection with unique functional traits in the Kastamonu province (Türkiye)

Nonmarine ostracods are widely distributed in a variety of aquatic habitats, from mountain lakes to underground waters, where each species tends to show species-specific habitat preferences with unique functional traits to increase their survival chances. To understand the patterns of such a relationship between habitat preferences and functional traits of the species, 101 different aquatic sites in the Kastamonu province (Türkiye) were randomly sampled during August 2023. A total of 39 ostracods (20 species, 19 unnamed taxa) were encountered from 49 sites. Seventeen species are new reports for the province. Among them, six species are the most common species with cosmopolitan (or cosmoecious) characteristics. The contribution of these species to the diversity of alpha species (p < 0.05) was more than 90 %. The species with relatively high ecological tolerances generally unveiled low-optimum estimates. Canonical correspondence analysis explained 62.5 % of the correlation between environmental variables and species in which redox potential, electrical conductivity, calcium, and pH were found to be the most related variables to the species (p < 0.05). Fundiversity analysis showed that the presence of swimming setae was correlated with high values of functional diversity, functional richness, and functional distribution of species among five elevation ranges. The results of the habitat selection index and the standardized selection index coincided with the functional traits of the most common species. The species characterized by their habitat selection can be considered as diagnostic species of those specific habitats. Among them, Neglecandona neglecta, reported primarily from dams, springs, and troughs, is considered a typical diagnostic species of these habitats, while Cypridopsis vidua found in lakes and dams can be used as an indicator species for these types of lentic habitats. Similarly, three species (Heterocypris incongruens, Ilyocypris bradyi, Psychrodromus olivaceus) can play a critical role as diagnostic species in troughs but reporting them from different habitats such as ditches and rivers / lakes (I. bradyi) and dams (P. olivaceus and H. salina) indicated their wide range of habitat preferences. Hence, the results suggest that the occurrence of diagnostic species seems to correspond to certain habitat types and their functional traits.

BIRDS COMMUNITY AS A COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEM: SPATIO- TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN AN PERUVIAN ANDEAN AGROECOSYSTEM

The interpretation of biological communities as complex adaptive systems aims to demonstrate their ecological patterns at different scales and their environmental relationships. In this survey, we analyzed species diversity and alternative stable states patterns of the bird community in an Andean agroecosystem located on the central-western slope of the Peruvian Andes (Cajatambo District, Lima - Peru), on a temporal and spatio-temporal scale. We evaluated their bird community through 24 line transects, located in seven plant formations along two ecoregions, between 2 700 and 4 600 masl, during the dry and rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. The temporal patterns did not show differences in species diversity between seasons. We determined the existence of a single temporary alternative stable states; however, we evidenced changes in their species composition between dry and rainy seasons, suggesting a greater functional redundancy in dry season than rainy season due to temporal variability of small granivore-insectivore species. Regarding the spatio-temporal patterns, the plant formations of Polylepis forests, some scrubs and agricultural lands presented high values of species diversity. In addition, we determined eight alternative stable states in relation to one or more plant formations and seasonality. Finally, a higher proportion of regime changes was found in the community alternative stable states located in the Meso-Andean ecoregion as opposed to the Puna-Humid ecoregion, which would suggest that this bird community has a greater self- organization and adaptability in the face of environmental stochasticity.

BIRDS COMMUNITY AS A COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEM SPATIO- TEMPORAL PATTERNS IN AN PERUVIAN ANDEAN AGROECOSYSTEM

The interpretation of biological communities as complex adaptive systems aims to demonstrate their ecological patterns at different scales and their environmental relationships. In this survey, we analyzed species diversity and alternative stable states patterns of the bird community in an Andean agroecosystem located on the central-western slope of the Peruvian Andes (Cajatambo District, Lima - Peru), on a temporal and spatio-temporal scale. We evaluated their bird community through 24 line transects, located in seven plant formations along two ecoregions, between 2 700 and 4 600 masl, during the dry and rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. The temporal patterns did not show differences in species diversity between seasons. We determined the existence of a single temporary alternative stable states; however, we evidenced changes in their species composition between dry and rainy seasons, suggesting a greater functional redundancy in dry season than rainy season due to temporal variability of small granivore-insectivore species. Regarding the spatio-temporal patterns, the plant formations of Polylepis forests, some scrubs and agricultural lands presented high values of species diversity. In addition, we determined eight alternative stable states in relation to one or more plant formations and seasonality. Finally, a higher proportion of regime changes was found in the community alternative stable states located in the Meso-Andean ecoregion as opposed to the Puna-Humid ecoregion, which would suggest that this bird community has a greater self- organization and adaptability in the face of environmental stochasticity.

Short Communication: Diversity, abundance, and utilization of bivalves on the south coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia

Abstract. Kurniawan ER, Ambarwati R, Isnaningsih NR. 2024. Short Communication: Diversity, abundance, and utilization of bivalves on the south coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2454-2462. Bivalves are a group of mollusks that include clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels. Bivalves have vital roles both economically and ecologically. This study aims to analyze the diversity and abundance of bivalves in the intertidal zone of south coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia. Sampling was carried out at the lowest tide using the line transect method at four research stations located at Talang Siring Beach and its adjacent areas. Identification was conducted based on morphological characteristics. The data were analyzed descriptive-quantitatively. The results showed that in south coast of Pamekasan, there were 21 species of bivalves belonging to 13 genera and 8 families. The value of diversity index was 2.21 which included in the medium category. The results of the bivalve community index stated that the station 3 had the highest diversity value among other sampling stations, which was 2.2. The highest relative abundance value was found in the species Tellinides timorensis Lamarck 1818 which was 35.96%. Among the 21 species found at Talang Siring Beach and its adjacent areas, nine of them are frequently utilized by local people. Although Talang Siring Beach is managed as a tourism area, this beach is a potential habitat for bivalves.

Deep-Sea Benthic Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Harpacticoid Families as Sentinels of Impact Through Space and Time.

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico, occurred in 2010 at 1525 meters depth, releasing approximately 507 M liters of oil. Research cruises in 2010 and 2011 were conducted to assess the initial and subsequent effects of the oil spill on deep-sea infauna. The spatial-temporal response of the deep-sea meiofaunal harpacticoid community composition to the DWH oil spill was investigated at 34 stations ranging from<1 km to nearly 200 km from the wellhead in 2010 and 2011. The pattern of reduced harpacticoid diversity in impacted zones compared to non-impacted zones in 2010 persisted in 2011. However, an increase in Hill's diversity index (N1) and the family richness across the two years in some of the impacted stations could suggest a first signal of a tentative recovery and an improvement of environmental conditions. The multivariate analysis of harpacticoid family composition revealed the persistence of an impact in 2011 with moderately high values of turnover diversity in the harpacticoid communities through time (37%) and space (38-39%). The consistent presence in all years and stations of long-term tolerant families (e.g., Ameiridae), the sharp decrease of fast-responding opportunistic families (e.g., Tisbidae), and the increase of more sensitive ones (e.g., Ectinosomatidae, Canthocamptidae, Cletopsyllidae, and Laophontidae) lead to the preliminary conclusion that some initial signals of recovery are evident. However, as impacts were still evident in 2011, and because recruitment and succession rates can be extremely slow in the deep sea, full community recovery had not yet occurred one year after the DWH disaster. This study confirmed that harpacticoid copepod family diversity can offer an accurate assessment of oil-spill impacts on deep-sea benthic communities over space and time as well as a better understanding of the recovery mode of the system after an oil spill event.

Temporal changes in spatial scale and autocorrelation structure of forest openings based on taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional turnover

ContextDuring European settlement, Illinois grasslands were converted for agricultural purposes. Remaining natural areas in southern Illinois include natural xeric forest openings, with communities representative of remnant grasslands and adjacent hardwood forests. Previous research in these openings shows plant communities are driven by edaphic conditions. ObjectivesThe first objective aimed to characterize spatial scale and autocorrelation structure of these openings based on climatic, environmental, and diversity variables. The second objective was to predict taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional turnover between 1988 and 2019, using climatic and environmental variables. MethodsSurveys were conducted to calculate taxonomic, phylogenetics and functional trait metrics and analyses of these dimensions of diversity. Randomization tests were used to assess phylogenetic and functional clustering and over-dispersion at each site. Spatially-explicit climatic and environmental variables were included from earlier surveys and data repositories. Global Moran's I and spatial autocorrelograms were used to assess spatial structure of climatic, environmental, and diversity variables and generalized dissimilarity modeling was used to characterize taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional turnover based on environmental variables. ResultsSoil depth was the only environmental variable which exhibited significant global spatial autocorrelation. Overall, sandstone sites were phylogenetically over-dispersed while loess sites were phylogenetically clustered. Climate variables and diversity metrics exhibited significant spatial structure during surveys. Generalized dissimilarity models showed that geographic distance between openings was the most influential driver of turnover across surveys. ConclusionsPrevious glacial events explained the spatial structure of soil depth across sites, due to Quaternary loess deposition in loess sites. High diversity values were clustered in the southeastern portions of the study area. Functional generalized dissimilarity models best predicted turnover in these openings compared to taxonomic and phylogenetic models.

Genetic Diversity of Flying Fish (Exocoetidae) in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Flying fish (Exocoetidae) is a pelagic fishery commodity that holds economic value among the people of eastern Indonesia. Flying fish are advantageous as they are abundant in Indonesian sea waters, making them an affordable source of omega-3, which is beneficial for human health. However, the high demand for flying fish has resulted in overfishing, which poses a risk of reducing their natural population. Proper management of this commodity is necessary to minimize these risks. Effective management requires adequate information, including genetic diversity data. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity of flying fish in Southeast Sulawesi, specifically in the Banda Sea and Bone Bay populations. Tissue samples were collected from flying fish in the two populations during the study in March 2022. The results show that the genetic diversity values of flying fish in Bone Bay and the Banda Sea were 0.984 and 1.00, respectively, while the nucleotide diversity values were 0.021 and 0.018. High genetic diversity values and nucleotide diversity values were found between the two populations, with values of 0.990 and 0.020, respectively. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the two populations in Southeast Sulawesi are genetically similar.

Abundance and diversity patterns and environmental drivers of Peracarida (Arthropoda, Crustacea) macrofauna from the deep sea of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

We present unique data of abundance, spatial diversity, and bathymetric patterns of the Peracarida communities of the economic and ecological important scarce studied area of the southern Gulf of Mexico. Peracarida macrofauna was collected from 63 sites in a large geographical area (92.67°– 96.70° W, 18.74°–23.04° N) with a wide bathymetric gradient (185–3740 m depth) of the deep-sea southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The samples were obtained onboard the R/V Justo Sierra (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) using a Reineck-type box corer during four oceanographic cruises (SOGOM 1–4; 2015–2018). We examined the bathymetric and spatial patterns of standardized abundance (ind. m-2) and taxonomic diversity (Hill numbers, q = 0, 1, and 2). Abundance patterns were related to environmental parameters (organic matter, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, bottom water temperature, dissolved oxygen and grain composition). We collected 684 specimens belonging to 53 Peracarida families of 4 orders (Amphipoda, 19; Isopoda, 17; Tanaidacea, 13; and Cumacea, 4). The most abundant orders were Amphipoda and Tanaidacea, representing 36.4% and 35.8% of the total abundance, respectively, followed by Isopoda (25.1%). Cumacea was the least abundant order (2.7%). The top ten abundant families in order were Apseudidae, Phoxocephalidae, Caprellidae, Desmosomatidae, Nototanaidae, Nannoniscidae, Tanaellidae, Ischnomesidae, Podoceridae, and Agathotanaidae, accounting for 66% of the total relative abundance. The abundance decreased with increasing depth. Highest values were recorded in the northwestern region of the study area and in the Campeche Bay salt domes zone, whereas the lowest abundance values were registered at the abyssal locations and in some sites located in the Coatzacoalcos and Campeche Canyons. The composition and structure of the peracarid community showed shifts related to depth. The major structural abiotic factors of the Peracarida community were: latitude, depth, temperature, and sediment aliphatic hydrocarbons. The diversity based on the three estimated Hill numbers consistently decreased with increasing depth. We recorded intermediate and low diversity values in almost the entire study area, except for the Campeche Bay salt domes zone and northwestern region, where intermediate and high diversity values were registered.

Demre Çayı (Antalya) Makrozoobentik Faunası

In this study, it was aimed to determine the benthic macroinvertebrate fauna of Demre Stream in Antalya. Benthic macroinvertebrate samples were taken seasonally from 12 stations determined on Demre Stream between April 2015 and December 2015 and the obtained individuals belonging to Clitellata, Rhabditophora, Gastropoda, Insecta, and Arachnida groups Macroinvertebrate based clustering of stations was calculated by using UPGMA analysis. The lowest similarity was determined between the 3rd and 10th stations, and the highest similarity was between the 8th and 11th stations. Simpson and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were applied to determine the diversity values of the stations. According to both diversity indices, the highest diversity value was reached at the 5th station, while the lowest diversity value was reached at the 3rd station. This study is the first study to determine the benthic fauna of the Demre Stream and therefore all the groups identified are the first records for the Demre Stream.

An assessment of methods to combine evolutionary history and conservation: A case study in the Brazilian campo rupestre.

Conservation policies typically focus on biodiversity hotspots. An alternative approach involves analyzing the evolutionary history of lineages in geographic areas along with their threat levels to guide conservation efforts. Mountains exhibit high levels of plant species richness and micro-endemism, and biogeographic studies commonly point to recent and rapid evolutionary radiations in these areas. Using a nearly endemic clade of legumes, our study evaluates conservation prioritization approaches in the campo rupestre, a Neotropical ecosystem associated with mountaintops that is located between two biodiversity hotspots. We compared the EDGE and EDGE2 metrics, which combine the evolutionary distinctiveness and the extinction risk of a species in a single value. These metrics are compared with traditional metrics used to assess conservation priority, such as phylogenetic diversity. The EDGE values reported are lower than those of other studies using this metric, mostly due to the prevalence of threatened species with short phylogenetic branch lengths (low values of evolutionary distinctiveness). Certain areas of campo rupestre with relatively high phylogenetic diversity and EDGE values do not correspond to areas with high species richness, agreeing with previous studies on biodiversity hotspots. Our study highlights the necessity of conservation of the campo rupestres as well as advantages and disadvantages of using EDGE, EDGE2, and phylogenetic diversity for appropriate selection of conservation areas with rapid evolutionary radiations. The selection of the metrics will depend primarily on the life history of the focus group and the data availability, as well as the conservation approach.

Genotype and phenotype diversity of the F2 population three-way cross soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) results

Increasing soybean production through plant crossing helps to supply soybean needs. Three-way crossing of three parents, Grobogan, Anjasmoro, and Dega 1 is expected to increase soybean productivity. Interbreeding is an effort to form a basic population to increase genetic diversity. Based on this, this study aims to determine the diversity of genotypes and phenotypes of the F2 population resulting from a cross between three soybean parents [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. This research was conducted on Tanjung Selamat Village, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency land. Observations were made by observing all plant populations in the field. Characters observed include plant height, flowering age, number of primary branches, and harvest age. The results showed that the diversity of genotypes and phenotypes of the F2 population varied, this was based on the highest standard deviation value in the F2 population compared to the 3 parent soybean plants. The plant height character has a high diversity value based on the KKG and KKF values.

Diversidade, dominância e raridade da comunidade fitoplanctônica: um estudo de caso em lagos urbanos tropicais

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate how phytoplankton community diversity, dominance, and rarity are influenced by different local environmental conditions in urban lakes. We expect that richness will be negatively influenced in lakes with higher nutrient concentrations and high turbidity, while abundance will be positively influenced. Thus, lakes with these conditions will have greater dominance of a few species and lower rarity, and the opposite in lakes with lower nutrient concentrations and less turbidity. Methods Phytoplankton and abiotic variables samples were collected in fourteen lakes distributed in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, during a rainy period. Results It was possible to identify an environmental heterogeneity among the lakes. We identified a separation of the lakes according to phytoplankton richness and density, especially due to the contribution of green algae, desmids, and cyanobacteria. Most lakes showed high diversity and evenness values, with a predominance of rare taxa and few dominant species. The main variables associated with phytoplankton were water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient concentrations. Conclusions Therefore, the study of species diversity, dominance, and rarity based on phytoplankton richness and abundance and their relationship with different local environmental conditions can be an important model for assessing water quality in urban lakes.

Floristic Composition and Tree Species Diversity with DBH ≤ 5 cm at Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

A study was conducted to assess the tree species composition, diversity, and above-ground biomass at Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Dabong, Kelantan, Malaysia. Five plots were systematically established of each 20 m x 20 m (0.2 ha), and all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 cm and below were enumerated. A total of 273 individual trees were enumerated, representing 88 species belonging to 40 families and 67 genera. Lauraceae was the most represented family, consisting of 3 genera and 4 species. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) indicated a high diversity value of 3.46 and the Simpson Diversity Index (D) with 0.97. The total above-ground biomass of the trees was estimated to be 0.619 ta/ha. Notably, Vatica maingayi and Aquilaria malaccensis identified in the study area are listed as vulnerable, with decreasing population trends. The floristic composition and the presence of these threatened species underscore the ecological importance of GSSP, highlighting its potential role as a critical conservation site for maintaining biodiversity and protecting vulnerable plant species. This study provides valuable baseline data for the management and conservation of forest resources in GSSP and contributes to the broader understanding of tropical forest ecosystems in Malaysia position implies that the study area can serve as a conservation site for the threatened plant species.

Anuran communities in the dry karst ecosystem of Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Febriyono M, Nayasilana IN, Masyithoh G. 2023. Anuran communities in the dry karst ecosystem of Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6484-6492. Dry physical conditions characterize karst ecosystems. This affects the distribution of the Anura-amphibian that depend on water sources. The presence of anurans in an ecosystem can be used as an environmental bioindicator. In this study, we used a visual encounter survey to document and provide information on the presence of anurans in Pucung village, Wonogiri District, Central Java, Indonesia, to provide information for the sustainable management of this karst ecosystem. The study was conducted from January to March 2023. Observations were made at two sites--Gundi Hamlet and Dunggudel Hamlet--and covered each of the different land covers found in the region. Then, anuran species diversity was analyzed using an index calculated using Barbour diversity analysis and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), species richness index, species dominance index, and species evenness index. Environmental parameters were investigated using canonical correspondence analysis. We found eight species belonging to five families. The Rice Field Frog (Fejervarya cancrivora) was the most abundant species, with 95 individuals. The least common species was Asian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) with two individuals. The H' values ranged from 1.21 to 1.58. The highest diversity value was found in the community forest habitat. A comparison of the values for the environmental factors, including climate (air temperature and humidity) and water pH in the three habitat types studied, showed low significance, meaning that the three habitat types were suitable for the presence of anurans. Based on the observations and environmental factors, we determined that the karst ecosystem in Pucung village could support a diversity of anuran species.

Diversity of Butterflies associated with Brassicaceae crops in Basra, Iraq

The study aimed to investigate the seasonal presence and characterization of the group of butterflies (abundance, richness and biodiversity) in the agroecosystem of Brassicaceae plants in the Basra province. Two different ecosystem sites (Karmat Ali at the sedimentary habitat and Al-Zubair region at the desert habitat) were sampled during the growing season of 2020/2021. There are 823 and 507 individuals at the Karmat Ali and Al-Zubair sites, respectively; the specimens consist of 9 butterflies belonging to four families. The most abundant family was Nymphalidae (60%), followed by Lycainidae (28%) and Pieridae (9%), while Hesperiidae recorded the lowest relative abundance of 3%. The highest butterfly population was recorded for Vanessa Carudi, while Pieris rapae had the lowest density. The results showed differences in abundance, species richness, and Diversity of butterflies at the sites. The highest values of Diversity and richness were at Karmat Ali, compared to the Al-Zubair region. The study of butterflies' abundance and biodiversity indices indicated that environmental factors and the polyculture plantations support the butterfly population in agricultural habitats. Keywords: Basra; Biodiversity; Brassicaceae; Butterflies; Shannon index; Richness.

Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of Mountain Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens) in Dieng Plateau Based on Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence

The Dieng Plateau is an area used to cultivate Mountain Papaya (&lt;em&gt;Vasconcellea pubescens&lt;/em&gt; A.DC.) as a food commodity in Indonesia. Research on diversity and relationships is vital as a first step in Mountain Papaya conservation in the Dieng Plateau. The study aims to determine the genetic diversity and relationship between Mountain Papaya accessions using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences. Fourteen accessions of Mountain Papaya with different sex distributions and altitudes are amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The genetic diversity is analyzed using the DnaSP 5.10.1 program. The Maximum Likelihood (ML) approach in MEGA 11 is utilized for assessing phylogenetic tree data based on ITS-rDNA regional sequences. With high haplotype diversity (Hd) values of 1.000 ± 0.027 and high nucleotide diversity (π) values of 0.09674 ± 0.00978, Mountain Papaya exhibits a high level of genetic diversity. Three main clades were identified in the phylogram tree based on the 14 ITS-rDNA sequences of Mountain Papaya. The results of this diversity data can support breeding programs intended to boost Mountain Papaya variety production.

Molecular Variation in Some Taxa of Genus Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Astragalus L. is one of the main genera of blossoming plants, and its diversity of species and forms is well known. The Astragalus L. taxa make a significant contribution to the mountainous and steppe ecosystems of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Although the species within this genus have been the subject of several molecular studies, the evolutionary relationships among these species remain unidentified. Despite extensive research, little is known about the phylogenetic relationships among the various subgenera of Astragalus. This research is intended to investigate the molecular variation of 33 species of the genus Astragalus L. found in the Kurdistan area of Iraq. For molecular validations, three separate techniques (nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and conserved DNA-derived polymorphism (CDDP)) were used. With respect to Astragalus L. indentations, universal ITS1 and ITS4 gene sequencing was used, and the discovered sequences were subjected to BLAST searches in the NCBI database. A phylogenetic tree was generated with two main clades. Regarding detecting genetic diversity between the taxa, 24 molecular markers (14 ISSR and 10 CDDP) were used. High values of polymorphic materials and gene diversity were detected. ISSR markers had an average of 22.71 polymorphic bands per primer, while CDDP markers had the highest mean values for polymorphic information content (0.37), Shannon’s information index (0.27), expected heterozygosity (0.19), and unbiased expected heterozygosity (0.23). Cluster and principal coordinate analyses divided the Astragalus L. taxa into four main groups using the two molecular data sets. According to the results of the molecular variance analysis, the highest variation was detected within sections, with values of 92.01 and 89.48% for ISSR and CDDP markers, respectively. These outcomes suggest the effectiveness of molecular markers and the ITS region in determining and identifying genetic correlations between Astragalus species.