Genetic characterization of Zeyheria tuberculosa progenies and evaluation for formation of a seed orchard

Zeyheria tuberculosa, a native species of Brazil known for its significant potential in silviculture and genetic improvement, holds prominence among various species. In this study, our objective was to assess the diversity, genetic structure, and feasibility of establishing a seedling seed orchard (SSO) for this species. A total of 71 progenies were collected from different locations and were used in our experiment in Ijaci - MG. We genotyped 92 individuals (nine families with eight individuals, two families with seven individuals, and one family with six individuals), specifically selecting those with the highest predicted genetic values, using ten ISSR primers. The molecular markers employed effectively detected polymorphism (PIC = 0.44). The population exhibited moderate to high genetic diversity, as evidenced by observed (AO = 2.00) and effective alleles (AE = 1.61), Nei's diversity index (H* = 0.35), and Shannon's diversity index (I* = 0.52). Molecular variance analysis indicated significant genetic differentiation between the progenies (Φst = 0.19), yet the majority of the variation was observed within them (80.1%). Employing a Bayesian approach, we identified the formation of two distinct genetic groups, further confirming the non-genetic structure of the population. These findings affirm the potential of the Z. tuberculosa progenies to contribute to the establishment of a seedling seed orchard, supporting genetic improvement strategies and the conservation of the species' genetic diversity.