Genetic diversity and gene flow estimation in Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce: A key stone tree species of Indian Thar Desert

Selected amplicon data obtained through our earlier study using ISSR and DAMD markers were utilized for determination of diversity within and among the populations of Prosopis cineraria (L.) accessions collected from different districts of Rajasthan (India). A total of 83 bands were generated from eight ISSR and five DAMD primers of which 79 were found to be polymorphic (95.18%). Nei’s gene diversity (h) ranged between 0.185 and 0.301 with overall diversity of 0.316 while Shannon’s information index (I) values recorded between 0.253 and 0.438 with an average value of 0.243. The gene flow value (1.713) and the diversity among populations (0.226) demonstrated higher genetic variation within the population. It is concluded that P. cineraria is accompanied by high genetic diversity within the population and elevated gene flow showing indications of adaptation to callous and fragile dry conditions of arid environment.

Research highlights
► Prosopis cineraria is a multipurpose, drought tolerant tree species for reforestation in arid regions.
► Earlier investigations revealed morphological and cytogenetical diversity in P. cineraria.
► An estimated amplicon polymorphism (95.18%) and elevated gene flow value (1.713) were recorded.
► Amplicons of ISSR & DAMD markers were used for estimation of diversity in P. cineraria accessions.
► Adaptation of P. cineraria to callous and fragile conditions of arid environment is implicated.