Population genetic insights into the conservation of common walnut (Juglans regia) in Central Asia

The common walnut (Juglans regia) is one of the most economically important nut trees cultivated worldwide. Despite its importance, no comprehensive evaluation of walnut tree population genetics has been undertaken across the range where it originated, Central Asia. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 1082 individuals from 46 populations across Central Asia. We found moderate genetic diversity of J. regia across Central Asia, with 46 populations clustered into three groups with a weak relationship between genetic and geographic distance. Our findings reveal that the western Himalaya might be the core region of common walnut genetic diversity in Central Asia and that, except for two populations in Gongliu Wild Walnut Valley, humans might have introduced walnut populations to Xinjiang, China. The observed distribution of the genetic landscape has probably been affected by historical climate fluctuation, breeding system, and prolonged anthropogenic activity. We propose the conservation of the core genetic diversity resources in the western Himalaya and pay special attention to populations from Gongliu in Xinjiang. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic variation throughout the distribution range of J. regia in Central Asia, which will provide a key prerequisite for evidence-based conservation and management.