Population Genetics, Genetic Structure, and Inbreeding of Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C. Chr Inferred from SSR Markers in Some Mountainous Sites of Makkah Province

Abstract

Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C. Chr is a perennial plant existing mainly in the southern and western mountains of the Arabian Peninsula. In the Makkah province, the remaining populations are threatened by many factors such as overcutting, overgrazing, and urban developments. These dangers are expected to be aggravated by the progression of aridification factors arising from climate change. To overcome the decline in remaining populations of this valuable species, a timely evaluation of the population’s genetic variables and genetic structure is vital for the conservation of existing C. gileadensis populations. In this study, we used 61 SSR primers to achieve this objective. Only 50 loci showed polymorphisms, which led to further analysis of the population genetics for 600 genotypes that were collected from 50 populations of C. gileadensis found in 10 different sites in the Makkah region: Gebel Al Muliesaa, Wadi Albathna, Wadi Houra, Wadi Albaidaa, Wadi Elebiedia, Gebel Kniethl, Wadi Sayaa, Wadi Elbarasa, Wadi Alfawara, and Wadi Alkharar. The results showed an obvious decrease in genetic diversity variables in all studied populations. The range of PPL was between 8 and 40; additionally, the low HT value of 0.804 and the high value of inbreeding, Fis = 0.238, reflected a severe lack of heterozygotes. High levels of FST and GST and low gene flow indicate considerable segregation among the C. gileadensis populations, which creates a barrier to gene migration. Our data suggest the need for conservation planning for C. gileadensis in order to avoid the species’ forthcoming extinction. Efforts should be largely oriented around managing water consumption, prohibiting overcutting and overgrazing, and establishing appropriate seed banks.

Introduction to the Special Issue of Plants on “Advances in Plant Reproductive Ecology and Conservation Biology”

“…Second, the hypothesized patterns of genetic diversity were not often recovered. Greater than anticipated genetic variation was found in S. floridana , I. lacustris , and E. capitatum , but only minimal differences were identified between dioecious and cosexual species of Solanum , C. gileadensis , D. foliosa , and for species used in Salep [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the important role that field and laboratory studies play in ensuring a comprehensive understanding of population biology.…”

“…Each tried to gain a better understanding of rare species using a distinct approach. Tsaballa et al [ 2 ] and Mansour et al [ 3 ] investigated economically important species that have been impacted by human development. Tsaballa et al [ 2 ] employed molecular barcoding to uncover the identity of wild species of orchids in Salep, a powder used in beverages and food for medicinal purposes that is culturally important in the eastern Mediterranean, and this has resulted in the overharvesting of orchids.…”

“…Barcoding is useful in this case as it provides evidence that overharvesting has resulted in a shift in the species used for Salep production. Mansour et al [ 3 ] also examined a species, Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C.Chr. (Burseraceae) used by humans for perfume and medicine.…”

Commiphora gileadenesis Extracts Reduce Blood Glucose Levels, HbA1c, Lipid Profile, and CD4+ and CD8+ Subsets in Type 1 Diabetic Mice

“…13,14 One of those plants that have long been used to treat a variety of ailments is C gileadensis. 15,16 A member of the Burseraceae family, C gileadensis is found throughout the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia. 17,18 This plant can be found in western Saudi Arabia near the Sarawat Mountains.…”