InDel and SCoT Markers for Genetic Diversity Analysis in a Citrus Collection from the Western Caucasus

A comprehensive genetic diversity analysis of the Western Caucasus citrus collection, encompassing 172 accessions from 31 species and local cultivars, reveals significant interspecific diversity with low intraspecific variation in locally derived satsumas and lemons. The study identified eight highly discriminative SCoT markers (e.g., SCoT18, SCoT20) and four InDel markers (e.g., LG 1-4), demonstrating superior polymorphism in SCoT markers for assessing citrus genetic diversity. Population structure analysis uncovered distinct genetic clusters (K=9 for SCoT, K=5 for InDel), with limes showing the highest genetic admixture. These findings provide critical insights into citrus germplasm origins and distribution in colder regions, offering a foundation for conservation strategies, breeding efficiency improvements, and genetic erosion control.

Kulyan, R., Samarina, L., Shkhalakhova, R., Kuleshov, A., Ukhatova, Y., Antonova, O., Koninskaya, N., Matskiv, A., Malyarovskaya, V., & Ryndin, A. (2023). InDel and SCoT Markers for Genetic Diversity Analysis in a Citrus Collection from the Western Caucasus. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(9), 8276. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098276