Multivariate analysis reveals phenotypic diversity of Euscaphis japonica population

Abstract

Fruit traits affect population genetic diversity by affecting seed protection and dispersal strategies, thereby comprising important components of phenotypic variation. Understanding of the phenotypic variation is an indispensable first step for developing breeding strategies. However, little information is known about the genetic variation in E . japonica —a monotypic species with abundant phenotypes that is mainly distributed in southern China. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic diversity of 67 E . japonica using 23 phenotypic traits. Our results showed that the Shannon–Wiener ( I ) index of qualitative traits ranged from 0.55 to 1.26, and the color traits had a relatively high I . The average coefficient of variation of compound leaf traits (14.74%) was higher than that of fruit and seed traits (12.77% and 11.47%, respectively). Principal component analysis also showed that compound leaf and fruit traits were important components of total variation. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed a significant difference in elevation and fruit color, irregular ribs, leaf margin and texture. The F value within populations was smaller than among populations, indicating the variation in phenotypic traits among populations was much greater than within populations. Dehua and Zunyi populations had the highest coefficients of variation, whereas Wenzhou population had the smallest—which may be attributed to habitat destruction. According to Q-type clustering, 67 samples clustered into four groups, with those having similar phenotypes clustering into the same group. In general, leaf and fruit traits had abundant phenotypic diversity, representing the main sources of phenotypic variation. Combined with clustering results and field surveys, this study suggests that the phenotypes of E . japonica are classified into two main categories: The deciduous E . japonica present at high altitudes; and the evergreen E . japonica present at low altitudes. Excavating E . japonica variations provides a theoretical reference for its classification and diversity, and is of great significance for planning genetic resources and establishing conservation strategies.

Phenotypic Diversity Assessment of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Collection in Vietnam

“…Similar results were revealed in evaluating the diversity of Pakistani guava germplasm (Mehmood et al 2014). The diversity of morphological characters in the studied guava collection in Vietnam also provides an ample scope for the selection of excellent individuals for further improvement as reported in previous studies (Purbajanti et al 2016, Sun et al 2019.…”

“…Morphological characterization is the first and highly recommended step before further attempts utilizing biochemical or the currently most popular, molecular approaches in genetic diversity assessment and preservation studies (Sun et al 2019). In this study, the morphological characteristics of the most abundant guava × 100% MP (%) = SFW -Total seeds weight SFW Seed number SN 1 (none), 2 (very few), 3 (few), 5 (medium), 7 (many),…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of Euscaphis japonica, a monotypic species

“…According to Flora of China records, E. japonica is a deciduous tree or shrub with odd-pinnate leaves, papery leaflets, sparsely serrulate margins with glandular teeth, and a soft, red, leathery pericarp with irregular ribs ( Li, Cai & Wen, 2008 ). Previous studies have found that E. japonica exhibits significant phenotypic differences at different altitudes, and it can be classified as deciduous or evergreen based on its phenotypic markers ( Sun et al, 2019 ). The deciduous E. japonica was characterized by its papery leaflets, serrulate margins, and prominent epidermis ribs, and the evergreen E. japonica was characterized by its membranous leaflets with obtuse, serrate margins, and its inconspicuous fruit epidermis rib ( Sun et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Previous studies have found that E. japonica exhibits significant phenotypic differences at different altitudes, and it can be classified as deciduous or evergreen based on its phenotypic markers ( Sun et al, 2019 ). The deciduous E. japonica was characterized by its papery leaflets, serrulate margins, and prominent epidermis ribs, and the evergreen E. japonica was characterized by its membranous leaflets with obtuse, serrate margins, and its inconspicuous fruit epidermis rib ( Sun et al, 2019 ). However, evaluating genetic variations across different populations using morphological characters is difficult because plant morphology varies under different growing conditions ( Wang et al, 2009 ).…”

Diversity of black pepper plant (Piper nigrum) in Bangka Island (Indonesia) based on agro-morphological characters

“…These similarities can be due to changes in phenotypic traits. Populations in the same ecological conditions, in the long-term evolutionary process, form the same adaptation matrix to produce phenotypic similarities (Sun et al 2019). Close relationship between the accession of Bogor and Merapin Daun Kecil allegedly because these two varieties originated from the same parent.…”