Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Qin, Shengyuan [1], Cui, Xiangyan [1], Zhao, Yao [1], Zou, Yujing [1], Rong, Jun [1].

Geographical patterns of genetic differentiation in wild Camellia oleifera and relative species phylogenetic relationships.

Oilseed camellia is species of the genus Camellia producing oilseeds with economic values. Camellia oleifera is the most widely distributed oilseed camellia, and cultivated C. oleifera is the top one woody oil crops in China. The seed oil of C. oleifera (camellia oil) is rich in oleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, up to more than 80% of the total fatty acid content. The fatty acid composition is similar to olive oil, and it is therefore known as “oriental olive oil”. The key issues for the development of C. oleifera production are how to accelerate the breeding processes of cultivars suitable for various regions, increase the yield and quality of camellia oil, and enhance the resistance to diseases and pests.
Wild C. oleifera is the essential genetic resource for breeding. Based on ecological niche modelling, the potential distribution regions of wild C. oleifera are located mainly in the subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests in China, and the Yangtze River Basin is the main distribution region. High-throughput microsatellite genotyping-by-sequencing technique was developed to accurately determine genotypes of hexaploid C. oleifera. Using 35 microsatellite markers, obvious genetic structure was found among wild populations of C. oleifera. Wild populations in eastern China were clearly genetically differentiated from wild populations in western China. Main cultivars were genetically similar to the eastern wild populations suggesting they were selected from eastern wild populations. The seed oil content of wild C. oleifera was significantly negatively correlated with latitude. The utilization of wild C. oleifera genetic resources needs to take the geographical patterns of genetic differentiation, seed oil content into consideration.
To infer phylogenetic relationships of C. oleifera and relative species, phylogenetic trees were constructed with orthologous genes based on comparative transcriptome analyses. Drainage divides between the Yangtze River Basin and the Pearl River Basin have the highest diversity of wild relative species of C. oleifera. Meanwhile, these regions are also the potential highly suitable growing regions of wild C. oleifera, where there may be the potential interspecies hybrid zones between C. oleifera and wild relative species. The potential interspecies hybrid zones may contain rich genetic diversity and provide natural breeding stations for selective breeding. These regions shall be the priority areas for research and conservation in order to explore and utilize genetic resources with important economic values.

1 - Nanchang University, Institute of Life Science, Xuefu Road 999, Honggutan District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, CHN

Keywords:
Camellia oleifera
crop wild relative
genetic diversity
Genetic Resources
genetic structure
geographic species distribution
oilseed camellia
phylogeny.

Presentation Type:
Session: P, Recent Topics Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT014
Abstract ID:1384
Candidate for Awards:None