Phytochemical profiling and SCOT marker analysis reveal genetic diversity in Ziziphus mauritiana genotypes

Nora M. Al ABOUD; Maryam MARYAM; Adel A. REZK; Ishtiaq AHMAD; Hossam AL-BELTAGI; Othman AL-DOSSARY; Bader ALSUBAIE; Sajid FIAZ

doi:10.15835/nbha53414943

Authors

Nora M. Al ABOUD Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Makkah, 24372 (SA)
Maryam MARYAM The Government Sadiq College Women University Bahawalpur, Department of Environmental Sciences, Bahawalpur, 63100 (PK)
Adel A. REZK King Faisal University, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Al-Ahsa, 31982 (SA)
Ishtiaq AHMAD The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Horticultural Sciences, 63100 (PK) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9735-6542
Hossam AL-BELTAGI King Faisal University, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Al-Ahsa, 31982 (SA)
Othman AL-DOSSARY King Faisal University, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Al-Ahsa, 31982 (SA)
Bader ALSUBAIE King Faisal University, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Al-Ahsa, 31982 (SA)
Sajid FIAZ The University of Lahore, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lahore, 54590 (SA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha53414943

Keywords:

diversity, nutrition, phytochemicals, Scot primers, Ziziphus mauritiana

Abstract

This study evaluated genetic diversity among 15 genotypes Ziziphus mauritiana based on biochemical and molecular markers to identify superior germplasm for breeding and nutritional improvement. Results of biochemical profiling revealed substantial variation as TSS ranged from 9.45 to 14.52 °Brix (‘G14’ and ‘G13’) respectively, total sugars were ranged from 7.25 to 10.53 g/100 g (‘G14’ and ‘G3’) correspondingly, moreover, Vitamin C was ranged from 29.47 to 68.53 mg/100 g (‘G12’ and ‘G2’) individually. Furthermore, highest antioxidant activity was recorded in ‘G13’ (39.65%) and peak of total phenolics was recorded in G5 (252.35 mg GAE/100 g). Principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that genotypes ‘G3’, ‘G5’, ‘G6’, ‘G10’, and ‘G13’ as superior in sweetness, antioxidants, and secondary metabolites. Molecular markers (SCoT marker) analysis developed 112 bands, 67 polymorphic, with SCoT-2 being most informative (78.26% polymorphism, Ne = 1.37, h = 0.22, I = 0.33), reflecting moderate genetic diversity among the Z. mauritiana genotypes. However, Population structure and PCoA analysis revealed that there are two major genetic clusters constructed, with some genotypes showing admixture, indicating shared ancestry or gene flow and may be due to diverse genetic make and crossability among genotypes. The correlation matrix among phytochemical attributes displayed a positive relation between TSS and sugars with antioxidant, however, titratable acidity showed a negative relation with quality traits. Concludingly, current investigation pointed out nutritionally and genetically superior genotypes, providing a valuable resource for breeding, conservation and functional food development which is a useful information for future breeding programs.

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