Apricots are not only a key economic crop but also hold untapped genetic potential for improving fruit tree varieties. While many wild apricot species offer a treasure trove of genetic diversity, some, like Prunus hongpingensis (PHP) and Prunus zhengheensis (PZH), are on the brink of extinction due to their small populations and limited distribution. These species thrive in high-altitude and humid environments, showcasing distinct adaptations that allow them to survive in extreme conditions. To ensure their survival and maximize their genetic contributions to crop improvement, studying their genetic diversity and evolutionary history is essential.
On October 27, 2023, Horticulture Research published a comprehensive study (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad215) conducted by researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University, focusing on the rare apricot species PHP and PZH. Through the use of advanced genome assembly techniques and population genetic analysis, the team explored the evolutionary lineage, genetic diversity, and local adaptations of these species, unveiling crucial genomic data that could inform both conservation and breeding strategies.
The researchers' genomic analysis revealed that PHP and PZH share a close evolutionary relationship with the common apricot (Prunus armeniaca), but have diverged to form a distinct lineage. Notably, the two species experienced a genetic bottleneck after the Last Glacial Maximum, but they preserved their genetic integrity through strong purifying selection. The study also identified genes under positive selection in both species, revealing their adaptations to high-altitude conditions in PHP and to humid climates in PZH. These findings underscore the genetic value of these rare species, offering unique traits that could enhance apricot breeding for diverse climates.
Dr. Jihua Ding, the lead researcher, highlighted the broader implications of the study: "Understanding the genomic basis of local adaptation in these rare apricots not only enriches our knowledge of their evolutionary history but also opens new avenues for breeding. This research provides invaluable genetic resources that are essential for developing apricots suited to changing environmental conditions, an urgent need in the face of climate change."
The identification of local adaptation genes in PHP and PZH is a game-changer for future apricot breeding programs. These genetic insights will enable the development of apricot cultivars that are better equipped to thrive in specific environments, such as high-altitude or humid regions. Moreover, the study emphasizes the critical importance of conserving rare and endemic species, which serve as genetic reservoirs for crop resilience in the face of climate challenges. As researchers continue to explore these species, their genetic resources will be crucial for ensuring the future of apricot cultivation worldwide.
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References
DOI
10.1093/hr/uhad215
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad215
Funding information
This work was supported by Science and Technology Projects of Shennongjia Academy of Forestry (SAF202104), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271824 and 31971676), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2662019PY007).
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.