Tunisian Populations Research Articles

DdRAD sequencing and morphometric data analysis reveal a clear differentiation among the Tunisian populations of Onopordum nervosum ssp. platylepis Murb

DdRAD sequencing and morphometric data analysis reveal a clear differentiation among the Tunisian populations of Onopordum nervosum ssp. platylepis Murb

Redescription of the terrestrial isopod Armadillo mayeti Simon, 1885 and its comparison with Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816 from Tunisian populations

ABSTRACT The genus Armadillo is represented by 26 species, three of which are recorded from Tunisia: the Mediterranean A. officinalis Duméril, 1816, and the endemic A. mayeti Simon, 1885 and A. pseudomayeti Mattern, 1999. In this paper, the endemic species A. mayeti is redescribed, its morphological diagnostic characters are illustrated, and its stridulation apparatus structure and biochemical composition are highlighted for the first time using optical and scanning electronic microscopy. The stridulation apparatus, visible dorsally on propodus of pereopods 4 and 5, is structured in a row of chain scales. Regarding its chemical composition, the scale contains numerous elements with a high carbon content (C = 58.71%) followed by calcium (Ca = 19.63%), oxygen (O = 13.98), aluminium (Al = 4.81), copper (Cu = 1.02), iron (Fe = 0.63), potassium (K = 0.43), and silicon (Si = 0.20). Its distribution is extended and its status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is reported. Armadillo mayeti is then compared with the widespread Mediterranean A. officinalis for diagnostic purposes on the bases of morphological features and the stridulation apparatus structure focusing on the chemical composition. The taxonomic status of A. pseudomayeti is discussed.

Genetic variation in growth, ionic accumulation and salt tolerance indices under long-term salt stress in halophytic Tunisian sea barley (Hordeum marinum ssp. marinum)

Context Identification of salt-tolerant genetic resources is of high importance due to the constant increase in salt-affected areas. Aims This study was conducted to assess genetic variation in salt response among and within Tunisian sea barley populations and to identify useful genotypes for future breeding programmes directed towards improving salinity tolerance. Methods The salinity response of 141 lines from 10 natural populations of Hordeum marinum ssp. marinum was characterised at a morphophysiological level, following exposure to 200 mM sodium chloride for 90 days. Key results ANOVA revealed significant differences in growth and ion accumulation between and within populations in response to salinity. The Sebkhet Ferjouna population was less affected than Sidi Othman and Tabarka; however, it accumulated relatively higher sodium and lower potassium and potassium/sodium ratio. Stress Tolerance Index (STI) and Salt Tolerance (ST) values varied significantly among populations and lines. STI was positively correlated with potassium and negatively correlated with sodium content in roots and leaves, whereas no evidence of a relationship between both cations and ST was observed. Conclusions SO7, SO28, LB5, LB25, TB1, MT3 and BK12 with high values of STI were identified as high yielding lines in control and salt stress conditions, whereas MT3, BK12, MT17, BF10, SL8, SL16 and SF32, with the highest values of ST, were characterised by a small yield loss and low sensitivity when exposed to salinity. Implications These lines constitute a genetic resource with desirable adaptation characteristics for breeding programmes towards salinity tolerance in cultivated cereals.

Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Southern Tunisian Populations

Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Southern Tunisian Populations

Genetic diversity of variants involved in drug response among Tunisian and Italian populations toward personalized medicine

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) represent a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, imposing a substantial financial burden. Genetic ancestry plays a crucial role in drug response. The aim of this study is to characterize the genetic variability of selected pharmacogenes involved with ADR in Tunisians and Italians, with a comparative analysis against global populations. A cohort of 135 healthy Tunisians and 737 Italians were genotyped using a SNP array. Variants located in 25 Very Important Pharmacogenes implicated in ADR were extracted from the genotyping data. Distribution analysis of common variants in Tunisian and Italian populations in comparison to 24 publicly available worldwide populations was performed using PLINK and R software. Results from Principle Component and ADMIXTURE analyses showed a high genetic similarity among Mediterranean populations, distinguishing them from Sub-Saharan African and Asian populations. The Fst comparative analysis identified 27 variants exhibiting significant differentiation between the studied populations. Among these variants, four SNPs rs622342, rs3846662, rs7294, rs5215 located in SLC22A1, HMGCR, VKORC1 and KCNJ11 genes respectively, are reported to be associated with ethnic variability in drug responses. In conclusion, correlating the frequencies of genotype risk variants with their associated ADRs would enhance drug outcomes and the implementation of personalized medicine in the studied populations.

Contribution of HLA class I (A, B, C) and HLA class II (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) alleles and haplotypes in exploring ethnic origin of central Tunisians

BackgroundEstimation of HLA (Human leukocyte Antigen) alleles’ frequencies in populations is essential to explore their ethnic origin. Anthropologic studies of central Tunisian population were rarely reported. Then, in this work, we aimed to explore the origin of central Tunisian population using HLA alleles and haplotypes frequencies.MethodsHLA class I (A, B, C) and HLA class II (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) loci genotyping of 272 healthy unrelated organ donors was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Sequence Specific Oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO). We compared central Tunisians with other populations (Arabs, Berbers, Mediterraneans, Europeans, Africans, etc.) using alleles and haplotypes frequencies, genetic distances, Neighbour-Joining dendrogram and correspondence analysis.ResultsAmong the 19 HLA A alleles, the 26 HLA B alleles, the 13 HLA C alleles, the 15 HLA DRB1 alleles, the 6 HLA DQA1 alleles and the 5 HLA DQB1 alleles identified in the studied population, HLA A*02 (22.8%), HLA B*50 (13.1%), HLA C*06 (21.8%), HLA DRB1*07 (17.8%), HLA DQA1*01 (32.1%) and HLA DQB1*03 (31.6%) were the most frequent alleles. The extended haplotypes HLA A*02-B*50-C*06-DRB1*07-DQA1*02-DQB1*02 (1.97%) was the most frequent HLA six-loci haplotype.ConclusionCentral Tunisians were very close to other Tunisian populations, to Iberians and North Africans. They were rather distant from sub-Saharan populations and eastern Mediterraneans especially Arabs although the strong cultural and religious impact of Arabs in this population.

Genetic and phenological diversity of Tunisian natural populations of Dactylis glomerata L.

Genetic and phenological diversity of Tunisian natural populations of Dactylis glomerata L.

Clinical significance of BTLA gene expression and rs1982809 polymorphism in pan-cancer

The association between the B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) gene rs1982809 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility has been reported, but these findings are inconsistent. In addition to clarifying the relationship between the rs1982809 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility, the current study also explored the clinical significance of BTLA gene expression. The GSCA tool and Stata software were used to explore the association between BTLA gene expression and tumor stage, immune infiltration, survival prognosis, and drug sensitivity for pan-cancer, and the association of BTLA gene rs1982809 polymorphism with cancer susceptibility, respectively. BTLA gene expression was associated not only with the pathologic stages of thyroid carcinoma, skin cutaneous melanoma, and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, but also with immune infiltration in 33 types of cancers. In addition, BTLA gene expression was linked to survival prognosis in 8 types of cancers and the sensitivity of 255 drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil, docetaxel, and methotrexate. A meta-analysis of 7 relevant studies with 4002 cancer patients and 5278 healthy controls showed that the BTLA gene rs1982809 polymorphism was unrelated to cancer susceptibility under all genetic models. However, a country-based stratification analysis suggested that the rs1982809 polymorphism could reduce cancer susceptibility in Polish and Tunisian populations. In conclusion, BTLA is expected to serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for certain cancers, and the rs1982809 polymorphism is expected to serve as a cancer susceptibility marker in Polish and Tunisian populations.

Crithmum maritimum L. Volatile Compound's Diversity Through Tunisian Populations: Use of a Plant Organ-Based Statistical Approach for Chemotype Identification.

This work aimed to investigate the variability of the chemical composition of the aromatic halophyte Crithmum maritimum L. essential oils according to the geographical origin and separated organs, using a statistical approach based on the multiple analysis of variance and the Principal Component Analyses. One hundred twenty samples were collected from three distinct bioclimatic regions (10 samples×3 provenances×4 organs). Hydrodistillation of separated organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) yielded 0.13 to 1.75 % of the dry matter. Chemical investigation of the volatile compounds by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that C. maritimum essential oils were dominated by monoterpenes hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and phenylpropanoids varying, respectively, from 33.3 to 66.9, from 7.8 to 46.6 and from 4.5 to 57.2 % according to organs and localities. Statistical analyses identified three different chemotypes depending on the geographic origin as follow: γ-Terpinene-Thymol methyl ether / Dillapiole / Thymol methyl ether-Dillapiole.

Seed diversity and germination behavior in Nerium oleander L.

Nerium oleander var. ‘Villa Romaine’, commonly called oleander, is an ornamental shrub that exists in Tunisia in the wild and cultivated form. This plant is frequently propagated and produced in nurseries and used in urban plantings and on roadsides. The effects of nature of the plants (spontaneous or cultivated), climatic conditions (localities), and altitude (from 6 to 447 m) on seed shape, size, and germination of Tunisian populations, were investigated. Seeds were harvested from 23 locations belonging to six bioclimatic stages and distributed from North to South of Tunisia. The seed parameters studied were area, roundness, J index, and germination rate. A significant variation was obtained between populations, categories (cultivated and spontaneous), bioclimatic zones and altitudes. Seeds of cultivated plants were the smaller and showed the higher germination rates, compared with spontaneous populations, which had large seeds and a low germination rate. Climatic conditions and geographical location had an effect on seed morphology; seeds in lower humid were small for both cultivated and spontaneous types, they also showed a low J index value and a high germination rate. On the other hand, in upper Saharan, seeds were large and roundness and germination rate were the lowest. Also, seeds from plants in higher altitudes were the smaller and presented the lower values of the J index compared with those collected from low-altitude sites.

Chemical diversity of wild fennel essential oils (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.): A source of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

This study aims to provide useful information for the evaluation of wild fennel in terms of their nutritional potential and medicinal values. It is therefore important to bio-prospect the variability of molecules production and the biological properties according to plant georaphical origin. Essential oils (EOs) obtained from leaves of 12 Foeniculum vulgare Mill. populations, growing wild in Tunisia, were analyzed by GC-MS. In addition, their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against eight pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The antioxidant potential of tested oils was evaluated by four different tests: Total antioxidant activity (TAA), DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assay (RPA). In addition, relationships between studied EOs by using Hiearchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) based on Euclidean distance matrix and the multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were provided. All EOs were found to be rich in monoterpenes hydrocarbons (41.56-63.13%) and phenylpropanoids (35.87-55.29%). Moreover, Limonene (8.40-50.34%) and Methyl Chavicol (35.87%-54.28%) were the main compounds. EOs from Zaghouan displayed the best antioxidant activity (8.5±0.05 mg GAE/g DW). While, EOs from Oued Zarga exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 7.7±0.43 mg/mL), and those from Ain Ghlel and Badar regions showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 86.86±0.23 µg/mL and 87.33±0.17 µg/mL, respectively). The most important reducing power assay was found in Ain Ghlel and Charchara EOs (EC50 of 70.46±0.17 and 71.31±0.61µg/mL respectively). Results displayed the sensitivity of the tested strains to fennel EOs especially against Gram-positive strain, and EOs from Zaghouan population exhibited the highest effect against Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, these results can extend our knowledge of the chemical diversity of wild fennel among geographical origin and pedoclimatic conditions indicating that Tunisian natural populations of F. vulgare had different chemotypes of EOs. In this way, the current study will provide new data and encourage the use of this plant as food. Wild fennel leaf EOs were rich in phenylpropanoids and endowed with significant antibacterial and antioxidant potential, which opens a new prospect for industrial and agronomical exploitation of this species.

Binational survey using Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution: Insights into chemical analysis and potential risk on humans

Microplastic (MP) contamination in edible mussels has raised concerns due to their potential risk to human health. Aiming to provide valuable insights regarding the occurrence, physicochemical characteristics, and human health implications of MP contamination, in the present study, two nationwide surveys of MP contamination in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were conducted in Morocco and Tunisia. The results indicated that MP frequency ranged from 79 % to 100 % in all the analyzed samples. The highest MP density was detected in mussels from Morocco (gills “GI”: 1.88 MPs/g ww−1; digestive glands “DG”: 0.92 MPs/g ww−1) compared to mussels of Tunisia (GI: 1.47 MPs g− 1; DG: 0.79 MPs g− 1). No significant differences in MP density were found between the two organs (GI and DG) for both countries. MPs were predominantly blue and black fibers, and smaller than 1000 μm. Seven polymeric types were identified, of which PET, PP, and PE were the most abundant, accounting for >87 % of all samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed that most MPs have noticeable signs of weathering and inorganic components on their surface. The highest MP daily intake was found in children, while the lowest was estimated in women and men. Moreover, the annual dietary exposure of MPs through mussel consumption was estimated to be 1262.17 MPs/year in Morocco and 78.18 MPs/year in Tunisia. The potential risk assessment of MPs in mussels based on the polymer hazard index (PHI) was estimated in the high-risk levels, implying that MPs may pose health risks to humans. Overall, this research suggests that the consumption of mussels represents a considerable MP exposure route for the Moroccan and Tunisian populations.

Variation in essential oil composition within and among Tunisian Thymus algeriensis Boiss et Reut. (Lamiaceae) populations: Effect of ecological factors and incidence on antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities

The variation of the essential oil composition of fourteen Tunisian Thymus algeriensis populations and their antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities were assessed. At the species level, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, caryophyllene oxide and carvacrol were the main compounds. Significant variation in the essential oil composition was observed between populations according to ecological factors. Six chemotypes were revealed (1,8-cineole-β-panasinsene/1,8-cineole/caryophyllene oxide/1,8-cineole-camphor-caryophyllene oxide/1,8-cineole-camphor-caryophyllene oxide-terpenyl acetate/carvacrol) with the distinction of upper arid populations (Ta 13 and Ta 14) with the dominance of carvacrol chemotype. The occurrence of the carvacrol was positively correlated to the evapotranspiration, summer drought stress and the temperature of the warmest months of the year.High chemical intrapopulation variability was also observed, revealing the presence of seven chemotypes (carvacrol/terpenyl acetate/caryophyllene oxide/linalool-linalyl acetate/1,8-cineole-β-panasinsene/1,8-cineole/1,8-cineole-camphor). The level of antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity was linked to their chemical composition difference. The best activities were revealed for populations Ta 13 and Ta 14 from the most arid zones, characterized by their carvacrol richness.

Genetic polymorphisms of 17 X-STR loci in two Tunisian populations from Sousse and Makthar

Background Tunisia has a complex demographic history of migrations from within Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. However, only one population study based on X-STR markers has been reported so far. Aim To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 17 X-STRs in two Tunisian populations from the cities of Sousse and Makthar, and to reveal the genetic relationships with other reference populations. Subjects and methods A total of 194 unrelated healthy individuals were analysed for 17 X-STR markers. Results Our results indicate that DXS6809 is the most polymorphic locus, whereas DXS6807 is the least informative marker in the populations of Sousse and Makthar. In addition, forensic statistical parameters, such as the power of discrimination in males and females, as well as the mean of exclusion in duos and trios, reveal that the panel of 17 X-STRs is highly informative and useful in different forensic applications. Overall, pairwise genetic distances (Fst) and non-metric MDS plots demonstrate clustering of different populations according to their geographic locations and their historical relationships. Conclusion Overall, the study of X-STR markers of the Tunisian populations can help to promote the establishment of a forensic DNA reference database in Tunisia and provide reference for future anthropological research.

Correlation between facial measurements and vertical dimension of occlusion among Tunisian populations: An anthropometric study.

Background. Establishing an accurate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is a crucial clinical step during full-mouth rehabilitation. Various techniques have been suggested to evaluate OVD, but none of them is practically reliable, and each one has its shortcomings. The correlation between facial proportions and the lower third of the face is a reliable method but needs to be verified in many ethnic groups. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between OVD and various facial measurements in a Tunisian ethnic group. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 to January 2021. The participants were randomly selected from dental students, dental surgeons, and the patients referring to the University Dental Clinic for dental treatments. Seven facial measurements were clinically recorded using a digital caliper. The correlation between OVD and facial measurements was analyzed using Spearman's coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results. A total of 201 dentate participants (134 females and 67 males) were included in the study. The mean OVD in male subjects was higher (67.60±4.49) compared to female subjects (60.72±3.84). The total facial height was positively correlated with OVD in both genders. OVD was statistically correlated with the height of the upper lip. This correlation was highly significant in males while it was weak in the female group. Conclusion. Facial proportions and linear equations are non-invasive, simple, and reliable methods to predict OVD, especially in males.

Chloroplast DNA Diversity of Tunisian Barley Landraces as Revealed by cpSSRs Molecular Markers and Implication for Conservation Strategies.

In Tunisia, barley local landraces are still cropped for human and animal consumption in some subsistence farming systems under marginal and stressed conditions. These high-value genetic resources present a potential source of resistance genes to biotic and abiotic stresses useful for both national and international breeders. Actually, they are represented by threatened small populations, which face a high risk of genetic erosion and progressive substitution by modern varieties. In this study, the genetic diversity of 60 Tunisian barley landraces was assessed using six chloroplast microsatellites. All loci were found polymorphic, with 2 or 3 alleles per locus. Thirteen alleles were detected across the studied sample, which were combined into 8 haplotypes, giving a haplotype diversity (Hd) of 0.847. High punctual and haplotype genetic diversity was observed for Tunisian barley landraces when compared to other germplasms from other regions of the world. The genetic structure analysis revealed two major clusters of Tunisian barley landraces, which confirms their multiorigin. This result was corroborated by the median-joining network showing the genetic relationships among the eight detected haplotypes. The AMOVA analysis revealed that 83% of the genetic variation is between populations, which requires the in situ and ex situ conservation of plant material for all Tunisian populations of barley landraces. Information on genetic variation within the chloroplast genome is of great interest to ensure an efficient conservation strategy that takes into account the preservation of the various maternal lineages of Tunisian barley.

Tunisian camel casein gene characterization reveals similarities and differences with Sudanese and Nigerian populations.

Milk is a primary protein source that has always played a role in mammalian health. Despite the intensification of research projects on dromedary and the knowledge of the genetic diversity at the casein loci, the genetic structure of the Tunisian camel population still needs exploration. This study sought to determine the genetic diversity of 3 casein gene variants in 5 Tunisian camel ecotypes: c.150G>T at CSN1S1 (αS1-casein), g.2126A>G at CSN2 (β-casein), and g.1029T>C at CSN3 (κ-casein). The obtained results were compared with data published on Sudanese and Nigerian camels to establish the level of differentiation within and between populations. A total of 159 blood samples were collected from 5 Tunisian camel ecotypes and the extracted DNA was genotyped by PCR-RFLP. A streamlined genotyping protocol was also developed for CSN3. Results indicated that allele T was quite rare (0.06) at CSN1S1 for all ecotypes. Minor allele frequency was found for G (0.462) in CSN2 except for Ardhaoui Medenine ecotype who deviated from the average CSN2 allele frequency of the total population. Allele C showed minor allele frequency of 0.384 in CSN3. Among the Tunisian population, GAT (0.343) was the most represented haplotype in all ecotypes except for Ardhaoui Medenine, where GGC (0.322) was the most frequent one. Significant differences in heterozygosity and local inbreeding were observed across the Tunisian, Sudanese, and Nigerian populations, although the global fixation index indicated that only 2.2% of the genetic variance is related to ecotype differences. Instead, phylogenetic analysis revealed a closer link between the Tunisian and Sudanese populations through a clade subdivision with 3 main branches among the ecotypes. This study represents the first attempt to understand casein gene variability in Tunisian camels; with further study, milk traits and genetic differentiation among populations can be associated with the history of camel domestication.

Genetic Variation in Responses to Salt Stress in Tunisian Populations of Medicago ciliaris

Soil salinity is one of the most serious environmental factors affecting crop productivity around the world. We used a morpho-physiological approach to investigate the salt responses of four Tunisian natural populations of Medicago ciliaris. Forty-six lines of M. ciliaris were grown under a control treatment and 100 mM NaCl. We measured 11 quantitative traits of shoot and root growth during harvest. An analysis of variance showed that the variations in salt response can be explained by the effects of the population, line, treatment, and interactions between the population and treatment and the line and treatment. Most of the measured traits showed significant differences between the studied populations under the control treatment and salt stress. High to moderate broad-sense heritabilities (H2) were noted for most of the parameters under the control treatment and salt stress, implying that salt tolerance is highly heritable. Most correlations between the measured traits under the two treatments were positive, of which the strongest correlations were recorded between characteristics related to development. The 46 studied lines formed three groups in both conditions, while their genetic structure was dependent on the treatment factor. The results from this study can provide a basis for identifying and breeding salt-tolerant lines of M. ciliaris.

Variation in cognitive insight processes between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a Tunisian population

IntroductionCognitive insight is a relatively recent concept referring to the ability, not only to reassess unusual experiences objectively after corrective feedback but also to distance oneself from them and it seems to be specifically altered in schizophrenia. Yet, despite its importance in the understanding of psychotic symptoms, this process has never been studied in the North African population.ObjectivesTherefore, this paper aims to compare cognitive insight performances between two Tunisian psychiatric populations and to explore its relationship with other cognitive processes.MethodsThe study population comprised 17 participants with schizophrenia, 9 with bipolar disorder, and 30 healthy controls. The groups were paired for age, education level, and socioeconomic status. We assessed depression, global executive functioning, verbal episodic memory, metamemory (online and offline), and cognitive insight. The latter was evaluated by the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale.ResultsThe results showed that, compared to the other groups, participants with schizophrenia obtained a lower self-reflectiveness score and a higher self-certainty score, resulting in a significantly lower composite index. These findings seem to indicate the alteration of cognitive insight in schizophrenia. However, no significant differences were found between the other two groups. Moreover, correlational analyses showed that cognitive insight components were only associated with metamemory indices which proved to be the best predictors of this ability, along with the global executive score.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our data seems to corroborate the international literature reporting a cognitive insight deficit in schizophrenia. However, further research is needed in order to better understand the specific processes underlying this metacognitive function.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Tunisian wild Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.): Assessment by ISSR molecular markers and implication for conservation.

In Tunisia, Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) populations are severely destroyed due to deforestation. Nowadays, no preservation programs are attempted, yet, to conserve and promote the potential value of this resource. In this work, we assessed the genetic diversity of seven natural Tunisian populations of Q. coccifera from different bioclimates using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats molecular markers. The distribution of the genetic diversity of Q. coccifera constitutes the pioneer step in the process of the conservation of the species. Nine selected ISSR markers were analyzed to characterize the genetic profiles of 70 different genotypes. The ISSR primers produced 64 loci ranging from 6 (UBC809 and UBC810) to 9 (UBC873) with an average of 7.11 at the species level. The average percentage of the polymorphic loci varied from 64.06% (Tabarka) to 76.56% (El Haouaria). The analyzed genotypes (70 individuals) revealed a high level of genetic diversity at species level (Na = 1.697; Ne = 1.517; He = 0.289; I = 0.418). The major proportion of the variation was attributable to individual differences within populations (76.07%). Analysis of molecular variance revealed also significant differentiation among all populations (ΦST = 0.245) and among populations within bioclimates (ΦSC = 0.233), even at a low scale space. The UPGMA and the PCoA analyses showed that most populations clustered independently to bioclimate or geographical distance indicating that genetic differentiation mainly occurs at local space scale due to genetic drift. The in-situ conservation of the species should be maintained on natural populations as a forest genetic resources. Moreover, ex-situ conservation should involve the selection of genotypes with extensive collection of seeds and cuttings from different populations of the target area.