Preprint / Version 1

Genetic diversity and population structure of Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] genotypes using molecular markers in the North-Western plains of India

Authors

  • Prabhdeep Singh Division of Fruit Science, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu 180009 India
  • Akash Sharma Division of Fruit Science, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu 180009 India
  • Vikas Tandon Advanced Centre for Horticulture Research, Udheywalla, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, Jammu 180018 India
  • Romesh Salgotra School of Biotechnology, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu 180009 India
  • Manish Sharma Division of Statistics and Computer Sciences, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu 180009 India
  • Vishal Gupta Division of Plant Pathology, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu 180009 India
  • Devinder Sharma Division of Entomology, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu 180009 India

Keywords:

Aegle marmelos (L) Correa, Morpho-pomological diversity, Clustering, SSR markers

Abstract

Bael is a fruit crop that is extensively distributed throughout South-East Asia and is underutilized in medicine. The potential applications of bael's therapeutic and nutritional qualities in diverse ethnic communities are enormous. This study focuses on evaluating the morpho-pomological and molecular characteristics, utilizing SSR markers, of 80 wild bael genotypes alongside the NB-5 and NB-9 cultivars, derived from the North Western plains of India. Based on the evaluated morpho-pomological features, substantial variations were found between all genotypes. The fruit's inner diameter and pulp weight varied from 4.41 to 11.54 cm and 34.63 to 786.41 g, respectively. Numerous variations in the genotypes were observed in the shell weight/fruit, fruit skull thickness and fruit yield/plant. The bael fruit mucilage's total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar content varied from 40.10 to 49.60 obrix and 8.11 to 21.17%, respectively. Using ward cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into two primary clusters. Among the bael genotypes, the population structure analysis identified three subpopulations. SSR markers are used to measure genetic variety; of the 27 polymorphic markers, 17 show allelic diversity between genotypes. Molecular genetic diversity analysis, on the other hand, highlighted the genotypes genetic distinctiveness by classifying them into three major clusters. These findings offer valuable insights into the rich diversity and intricate interactions among the bael genotypes under investigation, paving the way for more strategic future breeding and selection efforts to elevate the quality of this remarkable fruit. Keywords: Aegle marmelos (L) Correa, Morpho-pomological diversity, Clustering, SSR markers Subject terms: Plant sciences, Natural variation in plants

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