Loss of genetic diversity as a signature of apricot domestication and diffusion into the Mediterranean Basin

Bourguiba H., Audergon J., Krichen L., Trifi-Farah N., Mamouni A., Trabelsi S., ...More

BMC PLANT BIOLOGY, vol.12, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 12
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/1471-2229-12-49
  • Journal Name: BMC PLANT BIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Domestication generally implies a loss of diversity in crop species relative to their wild ancestors because of genetic drift through bottleneck effects. Compared to native Mediterranean fruit species like olive and grape, the loss of genetic diversity is expected to be more substantial for fruit species introduced into Mediterranean areas such as apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), which was probably primarily domesticated in China. By comparing genetic diversity among regional apricot gene pools in several Mediterranean areas, we investigated the loss of genetic diversity associated with apricot selection and diffusion into the Mediterranean Basin.