Genetic diversity, population structure and relationships of Tunisian Thymus algeriensis Boiss. et Reut. and Thymus capitatus Hoffm. et Link. assessed by isozymes

The genetic diversity and population structure of two Tunisian Thymus species (Thymus algeriensis and Thymus capitatus), from 46 natural populations growing in six bioclimates, were analysed by starch gel electrophoresis using eight isozymes. The genetic diversity within populations varied at species level. Variation in T. algeriensis was higher than that observed for T. capitatus, and exclusive alleles were detected for the two studied species. A high differentiation among populations, for each species, estimated by Wright's F-statistics was revealed. In each species, a high level of inbreeding within populations induced by Wahlund effect was observed. A relatively high level of differentiation associated with a restricted gene flow among species was revealed. The PCA and UPGMA analysis, performed on all populations, showed two distinct groups with respect of specific differentiation level. The high genetic divergence between the two species corroborates their taxonomic status, as previously reported using morphological traits. The strategy for the management and conservation of populations should be made for each taxa according to its level of diversity and bioclimate.

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► Eight isozymes are used to investigate the genetic diversity of 46 Tunisian populations of Thymus algeriensis and Thymus capitatus.
► The genetic variation in T. algeriensis was higher than that observed for T. capitatus.
► Exclusive alleles were detected for the two studied species.
► The high genetic divergence between the two species corroborates their taxonomic status.
► The majority of populations showed a high variation suggesting that populations constitute a valuable germplasm for conservation and improvement work.