LIME DIVERSITY: GENETIC PROFILING OF TUNISIAN VARIETIES THROUGH POMOLOGICAL TRAITS

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION elucidate the morphological characteristics that Limes (Citrus aurantiifolia) are globally significant define each genotype and identify valuable traits citrus fruits valued for their culinary versatility, for breeding purposes. medicinal properties, and economic importance. In Tunisia, limes play a crucial role in agriculture and In addition to pomological characterization, cuisine, contributing to both domestic molecular markers provide a powerful tool for consumption and export markets. The country elucidating the genetic relationships among lime boasts a rich diversity of lime varieties, each varieties and assessing their population structure. distinguished by unique pomological traits such as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Single fruit size, shape, color, and flavor. Understanding Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly the genetic basis of this diversity is paramount for employed molecular markers that enable high- effective breeding programs, conservation efforts, resolution genetic profiling of plant populations. By and agricultural management practices. analyzing the allelic variations at specific loci, researchers can delineate the genetic diversity, The characterization of Tunisian lime genotypes relatedness, and population structure of Tunisian based on pomological traits offers insights into lime varieties, facilitating their classification and their phenotypic variability and potential conservation. applications in various agricultural contexts. Pomological traits serve as visible indicators of The integration of pomological and molecular data genetic diversity, adaptation to local environments, offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and consumer preferences. By systematically lime diversity in Tunisia. By combining information evaluating and cataloging these traits across a on phenotypic traits with genetic markers, diverse collection of lime varieties, researchers can researchers can delineate distinct genotypic https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajhfr 8 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE RESEARCH (ISSN – 2689-0976) VOLUME 06 ISSUE05 clusters, identify potential parentage relationships, Polymorphisms (SNPs), were employed to assess and prioritize accessions for conservation and genetic diversity and population structure. PCR breeding efforts. Moreover, insights gained from amplification of SSR loci and SNP markers allowed genetic profiling can inform agronomic practices, for the interrogation of polymorphic regions of the cultivar selection, and orchard management genome, enabling the generation of genetic profiles strategies, thereby enhancing the sustainability for each lime genotype. and productivity of lime production in Tunisia. The integration of pomological and genetic data Against the backdrop of global challenges such as facilitated a holistic understanding of lime climate change, pests, and diseases, the diversity in Tunisia. Descriptive statistical analysis conservation and utilization of genetic diversity in and multivariate methods were utilized to explore limes are increasingly recognized as critical patterns of variation among pomological traits and components of agricultural resilience and food identify distinct clusters of lime genotypes based security. By elucidating the genetic makeup and on shared phenotypic characteristics. phenotypic variability of Tunisian lime varieties, Concurrently, population genetic analyses this study contributes to the broader efforts aimed provided insights into the genetic relatedness, at safeguarding citrus biodiversity, supporting allelic diversity, and population structure of sustainable agriculture, and ensuring the Tunisian lime varieties. Correlation analyses continued prosperity of Tunisia's lime industry. between pomological traits and genetic markers further elucidated the genetic basis of phenotypic