Analysis of the genetic variability of four populations of Peruvian Tumbo (Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) L. H. Bailey Moller) using ISSR markers

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) is a species widely cultivated both commercially and in home orchards, recognized for the quality of its edible fruits, which are rich in nutraceutical compounds and exhibit antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Genetic variability of four populations from southern Peru. For this purpose, 15 ISSR primers were initially selected, of which five produced clear and polymorphic bands were used to evaluate 36 accessions. The results revealed an expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.145, a Shannon index (I) of 0.220, and a genetic differentiation coefficient (Gst) of 0.210. Likewise, the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 74% of the genetic variability was found within populations, while 26% corresponded to differences among populations. Bayesian clustering analysis identified the presence of two genetically differentiated groups. In addition, the Mantel test (r = 0.341, with 999 permutations and P < 0.01) showed a moderate correlation between Nei’s genetic distances and geographic distances. Overall, the observed Genetic variability constitutes an important basis for the design of conservation strategies and breeding programs for P. mollissima.