Simple Sequence Repeat Markers Research Articles

Identification of Dwarfing Candidate Genes in Brassica napus L. LSW2018 through BSA-Seq and Genetic Mapping.

Plant height, as a crucial component of plant architecture, exerts a significant influence on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) lodging resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, yield, and mechanized harvest level. A previous study identified dwarf rapeseed LSW2018. In this study, LSW2018 (dwarf parent (PD)) was crossed with 389 (high parent (PH)) to establish the F2 population, and 30 extremely dwarf (bulk-D) and high (bulk-H) plants in the F2 population were respectively selected to construct two bulked DNA pools. Whole-genome sequencing and variation analysis (BSA-seq) were performed on these four DNA pools (PD, PH, bulk-D, and bulk-H). The BSA-seq results revealed that the genomic region responsible for the dwarf trait spanned from 19.30 to 22.19 Mb on chromosome A03, with a length of 2.89 Mb. After fine mapping with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, the gene was narrowed to a 0.71 Mb interval. Within this region, a total of 113 genes were identified, 42 of which contained large-effect variants. According to reference genome annotation and qRT-PCR analysis, there are 17 differentially expressed genes in this region between high and dwarf individuals. This study preliminarily reveals the genetic basis of LSW2018 dwarfing and provides a theoretical foundation for the molecular marker-assisted breeding of dwarf rapeseed.

Preliminary study on a yield-prediction model of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid based on simple sequence repeat markers for breeding optimization by independent breeders in China

Preliminary study on a yield-prediction model of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid based on simple sequence repeat markers for breeding optimization by independent breeders in China

Development of SSR Markers and Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Endangered Plant Saussurea involucrata.

The conservation biology field underscores the importance of understanding genetic diversity and gene flow within plant populations and the factors that influence them. This study employs Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers to investigate the genetic diversity of the endangered plant species Saussurea involucrata, offering a theoretical foundation for its conservation efforts. Utilizing sequencing results to screen SSR loci, we designed and scrutinized 18 polymorphic microsatellite primers across 112 samples from 11 populations in the Bayinbuluke region. Our findings reveal high genetic diversity (I = 0.837, He = 0.470) and substantial gene flow (Nm = 1.390) among S. involucrata populations (China, Xinjiang), potentially attributed to efficient pollen and seed dispersal mechanisms. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) indicates a lack of distinct genetic structuring within the Bayinbuluke populations. The cluster analysis using STRUCTURE reflected the genetic structure of S. involucrata to a certain extent compared with PCoA. The results showed that all samples were divided into four groups. To safeguard this species, we advocate for the in situ conservation of all S. involucrata populations in the area. The SSR markers developed in this study provide a valuable resource for future genetic research on S. involucrata.

A Comparative Genetic Analysis of Phoenix atlantica in Cape Verde.

The Cape Verde palm tree, Phoenix atlantica, holds significant ecological and cultural importance within the Cape Verde archipelago. However, its genetic distinctiveness has been questioned due to its close relationship and morphological similarity to the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). In this study, we used an expanded sample set, 18 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and a plastid minisatellite to characterize P. atlantica in Cape Verde and investigate its relationship with other Phoenix species. Our findings identify genetic markers that differentiate the P. atlantica genetic pool, including a unique fixed allele. We also provide evidence of the recent divergence of P. atlantica from Northern African date palm populations, suggesting a relatively recent colonization of Cape Verde by palm trees. Additionally, we characterized the genetic composition of palm tree populations across three Cape Verde islands, concluding that wild samples from certain populations in Boavista and Sal are best suited for establishing a seed and/or germplasm bank for replantation efforts, representing a crucial step for the conservation of Cape Verde's natural heritage. Overall, our results enhance the understanding of the historical trajectories and genetic characterization of palm trees in Africa, offering valuable insights for conservation strategies.

Genome-wide association study of the loci and candidate genes associated with agronomic traits in Amomum villosum Lour.

Amomum villosum Lour. (A. villosum) is a valuable herbaceous plant that produces the famous traditional Chinese medicine Amori Fructus. Identifying molecular markers associated with the growth of A. villosum can facilitate molecular marker-assisted breeding of the plant. This study employed 75 A. villosum accessions as the test material and utilized 71 pairs of polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers to genotype the population. The study analyzed the association between SSR markers and phenotypic traits through the linkage imbalance and population structure analysis. Candidate genes associated with the molecular markers were also identified. The results showed that the phenotypic diversity index range of the 12 agronomic traits was 4.081-4.312 and conformed to a normal distribution. Moreover, 293 allelic variations were detected in the 75 accessions, with an average of 5.32 amplified alleles per loci, ranging from 3 to 8. The maximum number of amplified alleles for AVL12 was 8. The population structure and cluster analysis indicated that the accessions could be divided into two subgroups. Using the mixed linear model (MLM) model of population structure (Q)+kinship matrix (K) for association analysis, three SSR molecular markers significantly associated with the agronomic traits were detected. Fluorescence quantification was used to analyze the expression levels of six candidate genes, and it was found that three of the genes were differentially expressed in phenotypically different accessions. This study is the first to use SSR markers for genome-wide association study (GWAS) mapping and identification of the associated agronomic traits in A. villosum. The results of this study provide a basis for identifying genetic markers for growth traits for marker-assisted breeding in A. villosum.

Evaluation of genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat markers and analysis of cross compatibility in hydrangeas

AbstractHydrangeas with large inflorescences are widely used as cut flowers and in floral arrangements. However, the genetic diversity of commercially grown hydrangeas has been limited owing to the breeding focus on popular species. Therefore, this study was conducted to suggest interspecific breeding strategies for expanding the genetic diversity in Hydrangea L. by evaluating genetic diversity in the seven main species collected in Korea and analyzing cross compatibility via intra- and interspecific hybridization. Interspecific diversity evaluation using simple sequence repeat markers resulted in the segregation of 35 varieties accounting for seven species into five groups as follows: (1) Hydrangea paniculate group, (2) Hydrangea arborescnes group, (3) Hydrangea anomala and Hydrangea aspera group, (4) Hydrangea quercifolia group, and (5) Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata group. Cross compatibility was confirmed via intra- and interspecific crossing, and hybrids were obtained in 18 crossing combinations. Intraspecific hybrids tend to be easy to obtain, but interspecific hybrids are difficult to obtain due to a variety of factors. While most of the interspecific hybrids were obtained using ovule culture, the crossing between H. macrophylla and H. serrata created hybrids from seed sowing, indicating that H. serrata is a subspecies of H. macrophylla. Bilateral and unilateral incompatibilities were observed across the obtained hybrids. Particularly, weak bilateral compatibility was observed between H. serrata and H.paniculata. Accordingly, it was proposed that hybrids between H. macrophylla and H. serrata can be successfully used as parental materials in crossing with H. paniculata to improve cold tolerance. In addition, cross compatibility was improved in interspecific crossing using H. macrophylla and H. arborescens as maternal plants. It is anticipated that these finding will help improve the genetic diversity in commercial hydrangeas.

Genetic diversity among Ethiopian sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] accessions using simple sequence repeat markers

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is the only grain and stalk crop that can be used for multipurpose. Despite its global significance and potential, it faced genetic erosion. These are due to low productivity and lower farmers' preferences, which is not considered one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. To utilize and popularize these crops, understanding the genetic diversity and population structure is a pre-request. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of selected 82 Ethiopian sweet sorghum accessions using 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that represent seven geographic regions of Ethiopia. The study revealed a total of 116 alleles with a mean of 11.6 alleles per locus. All used microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic with polymorphic information content (PIC) ranging from 0.75 to 0.90 with an average of 0.82. They showed high gene diversity ranging from 0.59 to 0.81 with an overall mean of 0.70. There was a moderate genetic differentiation (FST = 0.21) showing the presence of high gene flow (Nm = 5.033) where 91 % of the total variation was accounted for within populations genetic variability. The clustering, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and population structure did not cluster the studied populations into a separate group according to their geographical origin. In conclusion, the highest intra-population diversity was observed among populations of North Wollo (He = 0.81) and South Wollo (He = 0.79), and hence these areas can be considered as hot spots for the identification of novel traits. Therefore, the present study has generated baseline information for breeders to improve Ethiopian sweet sorghum through breeding, management, and conservation of the available genetic resources.

Estimating genetic diversity among selected wild grapevine genotypes from Southern Turkey by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-Primer Binding Site(iPBS) markers

Estimating genetic diversity among selected wild grapevine genotypes from Southern Turkey by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-Primer Binding Site(iPBS) markers

Molecular diversity of rice germplasms from Thailand characterized by different pericarp colors using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers

Abstract. Saengprajak J, Phetsom J, Sangdee A, Atichart P, Theerakulpisut P. 2024. Molecular diversity of rice germplasms from Thailand characterized by different pericarp colors using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Biodiversitas 25: 2839-2848. Studying genetic diversity in rice using molecular markers is necessary for varietal identification, better understanding of relationships and evolution, and conserving genetic resources. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of rice germplasms from Thailand characterized by different pericarp colors using ISSR markers. Thirty-two white and colored rice genotypes were assessed using 16 selected ISSR markers, which generated 179 alleles ranging from 210 to 1,374 bp, averaging 11.19 alleles per locus. The polymorphism percentage ranged from 40% to 100%, averaging 80%. The genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.458 to 0.855, while PIC values varied between 0.15 and 0.45, averaging 0.31. ISSR markers show a high Resolving Power (RP) of 12.15 and a Marker Index (MI) of 3.20, indicating their significant discriminatory power and effectiveness in detecting genetic diversity. The dendrogram grouped genotypes into five clusters: Cluster I included 5 red pericarp genotypes, Cluster II had 6 purple-black pericarp genotypes, Cluster III had 2 mixed white and purple-black pericarp genotypes, Cluster IV included 18 white pericarp genotypes, and Cluster V comprised 1 white pericarp genotype. PCA results corresponded to seed coat traits, forming eight grouping patterns similar to dendrogram clusters. These findings show that ISSR markers effectively assess genetic diversity and relationships in rice germplasms, providing valuable information for managing germplasm resources, developing variety-specific markers, and supporting rice breeding programs.

Association Mapping of Seed Coat Color Characteristics for Near-Isogenic Lines of Colored Waxy Maize Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers.

Waxy maize is mainly cultivated in South Korea for the production of food and snacks, and colored maize with increased anthocyanin content is used in the production of functional foods and medicinal products. Association mapping analysis (AMA) is supported as the preferred method for identifying genetic markers associated with complex traits. Our study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in near-isogenic lines (NILs) of colored waxy maize assessed through AMA. We performed AMA for 285 SSR loci and two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize. In the analysis of population structure and cluster formation, the two parental lines (HW3, HW9) of "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize and the 10 NILs were clearly divided into two groups, with each group containing one of the two parental inbred lines. In the AMA, 62 SSR markers were associated with two seed anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in the 10 NILs. All the anthocyanin content and seed coat color traits were associated with SSR markers, ranging from 2 to 12 SSR markers per characteristic. The 12 SSR markers were together associated with both of the two anthocyanin content (kuromanin and peonidin) traits. Our current results demonstrate the effectiveness of SSR analysis for the examination of genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure and AMA in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize and the two parental lines of the "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize.

Genetic diversity and population structure of an insect-pollinated and bird-dispersed dioecious tree Magnolia kwangsiensis in a fragmented karst forest landscape.

This study combined population genetics and parentage analysis to obtain foundational data for the conservation of Magnolia kwangsiensis. M. kwangsiensis is a Class I tree species that occurs in two disjunct regions in a biodiversity hotspot in southwest China. We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of this species across its distribution range to support its conservation management. Genetic diversity and population structure of 529 individuals sampled from 14 populations were investigated using seven nuclear simple sequence repeat (nSSR) markers and three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments. Parentage analysis was used to evaluate the pollen and seed dispersal distances. The nSSR marker analysis revealed a high genetic diversity in M. kwangsiensis, with an average observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosities (He) of 0.726 and 0.687, respectively. The mean and maximum pollen and seed dispersal distances were 66.4 and 95.7 m and 535.4 and 553.8 m, respectively. Our data revealed two distinct genetic groups, consistent with the disjunct geographical distribution of the M. kwangsiensis populations. Both pollen and seed dispersal movements help maintain genetic connectivity among M. kwangsiensis populations, contributing to high levels of genetic diversity. Both genetically differentiated groups corresponding to the two disjunct regions should be recognized as separate conservation units.

Establishment of Novel Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers from Chimonanthus praecox Transcriptome Data and Their Application in the Identification of Varieties.

Chimonanthus praecox, a member of the Calycanthaceae family, is a unique, traditional, and famous flowering economic tree species in China. Despite the existence of several varieties, only a few cultivars have been formally named. Currently, expression sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers are extensively used to identify different species and varieties; a large number of microsatellites can be identified from transcriptome databases. A total of 162,638 unigenes were assembled using RNA-seq; 82,778 unigenes were annotated using the Nr, Nt, Swiss-Prot, Pfam, GO, KOG, and KEGG databases. In total, 13,556 SSR loci were detected from 11,691 unigenes, with trinucleotide repeat motifs being the most abundant among the six repeat motifs. To develop the markers, 64,440 pairs of SSR primers with polymorphism potential were designed, and 75 pairs of primers were randomly selected for amplification. Among these markers, seven pairs produced amplified fragments of the expected size with high polymorphism. Using these markers, 12 C. praecox varieties were clustered into two monophyletic clades. Microsatellites in the transcriptome of C. praecox exhibit rich types, strong specificity, and great polymorphism potential. These EST-SSR markers serve as molecular technical methods for identifying different varieties of C. praecox and facilitate the exploration of a large number of candidate genes associated with important traits.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Relatedness of Local Banana (Musa spp.) Cultivars in Malaysia Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

Banana (Musa spp.) is an economically important crop widely consumed all over the world. Understanding the genetic diversity and relatedness between various banana cultivars is important to continuously improve its fruit characteristics, nutritional value, and disease resistance. This study aimed to develop a DNA fingerprinting panel using polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for the genetic characterisation of 11 banana cultivars in Malaysia. A total of 10 polymorphic SSR markers were developed into a multiplex PCR reaction and capillary electrophoresis to uniquely profile our collection of banana cultivars. The developed fingerprinting panel successfully amplified a total of 95 alleles, with 6 to 13 alleles per SSR marker. The average SSR marker polymorphic information content (PIC) value is 0.812, indicating the informativeness of the panel. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that 97% of the molecular variance from our banana collection is due to inter-variety genetic diversity, while the remaining 3% is due to intra-variety genetic diversity. A population structure analysis groups our collection of banana varieties according to the presence of at least one M. balbisiana (B) genome in their genetic makeup. The Cavendish variety, however, showed a distinct structure compared to the other cultivars. This SSR fingerprinting panel provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and relatedness between banana cultivars in Malaysia. It has the potential to assist future banana breeding initiatives and serve as an effective quality control measure for verifying varieties in a tissue culture facility involved in banana planting materials production.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Philippine strawberry germplasm based on genome-wide simple sequence repeat markers

Abstract. Elec VH, Cadorna CAE, Tad-Awan BA, Basquial DA, Dumaslan MR, Rey JD. 2024. Genetic diversity and population structure of Philippine strawberry germplasm based on genome-wide simple sequence repeat markers. Biodiversitas 25: 2969-2979. Strawberry is a globally recognized fruit due to its health benefits and economic significance. Determining the level of genetic diversity and the relationship between germplasm resources involved in the breeding program is critical for effective crop improvement strategies. This study used 197 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 24 strawberry germplasm from the Benguet State University (BSU) collection. In this study, 70% of the markers used were polymorphic with reproducible fragments. A total of 792 alleles were detected, with an average of six per marker. The diversity indices indicated an intermediate level of diversity among the germplasm based on the Jaccard coefficient. Results from cluster analysis generated three groups, separating the Red Milky Way and Summer Princess cultivars from the rest of the germplasm evaluated, while a third cluster was further divided into six subgroups. Furthermore, identified clustering patterns of the evaluated genotypes showed independence from the region of origin, coinciding with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and population structure analysis results. This study reveals the genetic diversity level and population structure of the strawberry cultivars in the Philippines using SSR markers, facilitating accurate identification and informed parental selection for breeding objectives.

Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of common walnut (Juglans regia) germplasm with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of common walnut (Juglans regia) germplasm with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

Association analysis of leaf aromatic substances in cultivated and weedy types of Perilla crop using SSR markers

In East Asia, particularly South Korea, the two cultivated varieties of Perilla are commonly grown. They are clearly distinguished by their aromatic substances and have different uses as leafy vegetables or oil crop. This study was performed for the development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to volatile compounds in Perilla leaves that show differences between cultivated var. frutescens (CF), weedy var. frutescens (WF), and weedy var. crispa (WC) of Perilla. Fifty Perilla SSR primer sets were used to analyze genetic diversity for the 80 Perilla accessions of the three types. A total of 276 alleles were detected, with an average of 5.5 alleles per locus. The average genetic diversity values for CF, WF, and WC accessions were 0.402, 0.583, and 0.437, respectively. WF accessions exhibited the highest genetic diversity among the three types of the Perilla crop. Phylogenetic tree analysis classified 80 Perilla accessions of the three types into four groups, showing 37.2 % genetic similarity. Three types of the Perilla crop were clearly distinguished except for outstanding accessions. Through the application of an association analysis involving 50 Perilla SSR primer sets and five volatile compounds (perilla aldehyde, perilla ketone, myristicin, dill apiol, (Z,E)-α-farnesene) in the three types of the Perilla accessions, we detected 11 significant marker-trait associations duplicated in both Q GLM and Q + K MLM methods. These findings serve as valuable insights for identifying the aromatic substances in Perilla plants originating from various regions of South Korea.

Densification of Genetic Map and Stable Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Amino Acid Content of Seed in Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Soybean, a primary vegetable protein source, boasts favorable amino acid profiles; however, its composition still falls short of meeting human nutritional demands. The soybean amino acid content is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. In this study, an F2 population of 186 individual plants derived from the cross between ChangJiangChun2 and JiYu166 served as the mapping population. Based on the previously published genetic map of our lab, we increased the density of the genetic map and constructed a new genetic map containing 518 SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers and 64 InDel (insertion-deletion) markers, with an average distance of 5.27 cm and a total length of 2881.2 cm. The content of eight essential amino acids was evaluated in the F2:5, F2:6, and BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction). A total of 52 QTLs (quantitative trait loci) were identified, and 13 QTL clusters were identified, among which loci02.1 and loci11.1 emerged as stable QTL clusters, exploring candidate genes within these regions. Through GO enrichment and gene annotation, 16 candidate genes associated with soybean essential amino acid content were predicted. This study would lay the foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of essential amino acid content and contribute to germplasm innovation in soybeans.

Development and characterisation of novel durum wheat-H. chilense 4Hch chromosome lines as a source for resistance to Septoria tritici blotch.

The use of wild species as a source of genetic variability is a valued tool in the framework of crop breeding. Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult is a wild barley species that can be a useful genetic donor for sustainable wheat breeding which carries genes conferring resistance to some diseases or increasing grain quality, among others. Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the Zymoseptoria tritici fungus, is one of the most important wheat diseases worldwide, affecting both bread and durum wheat and having a high economic impact. Resistance to STB has been previously described in H. chilense chromosome 4Hch. In this study, we have developed introgression lines for H. chilense chromosome 4Hch in durum wheat using interspecific crosses, advanced backcrosses, and consecutive selfing strategies. Alien H. chilense chromosome segments have been reduced in size by genetic crosses between H. chilense disomic substitution lines in durum wheat and durum wheat lines carrying the Ph1 deletion. Hordeum chilense genetic introgressions were identified in the wheat background through several plant generations by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. An STB infection analysis has also been developed to assess STB resistance to a specific H. chilense chromosome region. The development of these H. chilense introgression lines with moderate to high resistance to STB represents an important advance in the framework of durum breeding and can be a valuable tool for plant breeders.

Development of SSR markers related to agarwood production and genetic diversity of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng wild populations

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng is an economically important tree that produces agarwood when subjected to mechanical wounding. However, the information regarding its heredity is limited. The breeding of A. sinensis has been hindered due to ambiguity in the sources of germplasm, genetic background, and varietal information. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are ideal for studying genetic diversity and germplasm identification in plants. They offer the advantages of high polymorphism, good reproducibility, and co–dominance. Here, we mined SSR markers within agarwood–inducing genes and used them to explore the genetic diversity among A. sinensis natural germplasm. A total of 407 SSR loci were identified within 92 genes. We designed 96 primer pairs, among which 16 showed polymorphism and were subsequently used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 179 A. sinensis individuals. A total of 107 alleles were identified, with an average of 7 alleles per locus, and their polymorphism information content ranged between 0.424 and 0.769, with an average of 0.569. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that genetic variation within the individuals accounted for 94 % of the total variation, inditing that the variation of A. sinensis is derived from individual variation. Furthermore, the structure analysis indicated that the natural populations of A. sinensis could be theoretically divided into 16 subgroups. The 16 polymorphic SSRs had strong cross–species transferability and distinguished individuals of A. agallochum (Lour.) Roxb. ex Finl. and A. malaccensis Lam. Taken together, these findings provide a useful resource for germplasm identification and molecular marker–assisted breeding of A. sinensis.

Phenotypic variation and genetic diversity in European Alnus species

Abstract The recent taxonomic distinction between the European common alder species Alnus glutinosa and A. lusitanica strengthens the need for studies on phenotypic and genetic variation. Understanding such variations requires the use of populations encompassing the total latitudinal distribution and environmental envelope of the distribution range of A. glutinosa and A. lusitanica. This study aims to describe the genetic diversity and assess the phenology, morphology, physiology and biochemistry of alder seedlings from populations reaching out to the latitudinal extremes of both species. We grew 1579 2-year-old seedlings from seven A. glutinosa and six A. lusitanica populations in a common garden in Oeiras, Portugal. By using simple sequence repeat markers, two genetically distinct groups in A. glutinosa and three in A. lusitanica were identified. The species presented marked morphological and biochemical differences. The southern populations of A. lusitanica showed higher genetic diversity than A. glutinosa populations. Significant associations between four alleles from three loci, and one morphological and three biochemical traits were detected in several genetic groups from both alder species. Traits from southern populations of A. lusitanica were associated with low water availability. Inter-specific trait variation and association of traits with molecular markers suggest that A. lusitanica might have an adaptive advantage if subjected to drought and heat stressors. This study strengthens the recent taxonomical differentiation between the two species and emphasizes the need for preserving southern A. lusitanica populations and their genetic diversity in Mediterranean riparian corridors.