Genetic Diversity and Chemodiversity Evaluation of Boswellia sacra Papulations

Abstract

Molecular markers (SSR and RAPD) were used to assess genetic diversity among thirteen populations of Boswellia sacra from Oman. We also used SDS PAGE analysis to study protein diversity (from leaves samples). To quantify phytohormones among all thirteen populations used NIRS analysis coupled with multivariate methods. Boswellia sacra is a culturally and economically important tree species endemic to Dhofar region (Oman). This tree species showing signs of degradations and decline due to immense anthropogenic pressure and climate changes (global warming). In this research work we used different chemodiversity and genetic diversity tools to analyze phytohormonal variations and genetic variation in Boswellia sacra populations. There are two main parts of our research work, in the first part chemodiversity (Phytohormones variation) was studied by using advanced spectroscopic methods NIRS coupled with multivariate analysis. This method was devised to study and understand the growth and health dynamics of all populations by quantifying selected plant hormones (Kinetin, IAA, Gibberellic Acids and Salicylic Acid). We observed a significant phytohormonal variation among all the studied populations (Salicylic acid > Gibberellic acids > IAA > Kinetin). Results of NIRS data were further cross validated by LC-ESI-QTOF and GC-MS/SIM methods for all thirteen populations. Similar (NIRS) trends of the studied phytohormones were observed here in chromatographic analysis. Results of the chemodiversity analysis for B. sacra populations would be very useful to study the trees growth and heath dynamics. In the second part of our study, genetic diversity of thirteen different populations of Boswellia sacra was studied using molecular and biochemical markers. Total 139 individual tree samples (13 populations) of Boswellia sacra were evaluated. We used SSR and RAPD molecular markers and SDS PAGE to assess genetic diversity in B. sacra populations. At the end of our genetic diversity evaluation we noticed that the studied Boswellia sacra populations contained a reasonable level of genetic diversity. Results of this genetic diversity assessment would be very helpful for formulating future conservation strategies.