Geobotanical Study, DNA Barcoding, and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Marker Analysis to Determine the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Rare and Endangered Prunus armeniaca L.
Romadanova N.V. Altayeva N.A. Zemtsova A.S. Artimovich N.A. Shevtsov A.B. Kakimzhanova A. Nurtaza A. Tolegen A.B. Kushnarenko S.V. Bettoni J.C.
August 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Plants
2025#14Issue 15
The ongoing genetic erosion of natural Prunus armeniaca populations in their native habitats underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation and restoration strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of P. armeniaca populations in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, integrating morphological descriptors (46 parameters), molecular markers, geobotanical, and remote sensing analyses. Geobotanical and remote sensing analyses enhanced understanding of accession distribution, geological features, and ecosystem health across sites, while also revealing their vulnerability to various biotic and abiotic threats. Of 111 morphologically classified accessions, 54 were analyzed with 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and four DNA barcoding regions. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of integrated morphological and molecular analyses to differentiate closely related accessions. Genetic analysis identified 11 distinct populations with high heterozygosity and substantial genetic variability. Eight populations exhibited 100% polymorphism, indicating their potential as sources of adaptive genetic diversity. Cluster analysis grouped populations into three geographic clusters, suggesting limited gene flow across Gorges (features of a mountainous landscape) and greater connectivity within them. These findings underscore the need for site-specific conservation strategies, especially for genetically distinct, isolated populations with unique allelic profiles. This study provides a valuable foundation for prioritizing conservation targets, confirming genetic redundancies, and preserving genetic uniqueness to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the future conservation and use of P. armeniaca genetic resources in the region.
endangered species , plant descriptors , Prunusspp , Rosaceae , SSR markers
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Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, 45 Timiryazev St., Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
National Center for Biotechnology, 13/5, Kurgalzhynskoye Road, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Av. 71, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Canterbury Agriculture & Science Centre, 74 Gerald St, Lincoln, 7608, New Zealand
Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology
National Center for Biotechnology
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited
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