Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Oil-Bearing Rose Genotypes Using Start Codon-Targeted...

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Molecular biology
• Agricultural science

Background:

• The oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena) is culturally and economically significant, particularly in Bulgaria.
• Understanding its genetic diversity is crucial for effective breeding and conservation.
• Traditional cultivation practices may harbor unique genetic resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the genetic diversity and relationships among various Bulgarian rose accessions using molecular markers.
• To assess the genetic makeup of traditional and improved Rosa damascena populations.
• To provide a molecular framework for managing rose genetic resources.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 15 start codon-targeted (SCoT) molecular markers.
• Analyzed 38 rose accessions, including R. damascena cultivars, related species, and heritage roses.
• Employed Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) and multivariate analyses (UPGMA, PCoA, STRUCTURE).

Main Results:

• SCoT markers revealed substantial genetic variation, with diversity indices like PIC, Shannon's index, and gene diversity indicating differences among accessions.
• AMOVA showed greater genetic variation within groups (61%) than among groups (39%).
• Multivariate analyses clustered accessions based on taxonomic identity and breeding history, with an unidentified Rosa sp. forming a distinct group near R. gallica.

Conclusions:

• SCoT markers are effective for assessing genetic diversity in oil-bearing roses.
• Local and traditional rose germplasm represent valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity.
• The findings support breeding, conservation, and sustainable management of Rosa genetic resources.