Application of SilicoDArT Markers for the Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Moringa oleifera Lam. Cultivated in Mexico

The objective of this study was to determine the diversity and genetic structure of M. oleifera populations cultivated in Mexico through SilicoDArT markers. Seeds were collected from 14 populations in various states of the country. The seeds were germinated in greenhouse conditions. DNA was extracted from young leaves using a CTAB-based protocol. The extracted DNA was used to genotype each population with DArtseqTM technology. A total of 11,156 SilicoDArT markers were obtained, all of which were polymorphic. On average, the expected heterozygosity of the populations was 0.46, the number of effective alleles was 1.84 and the rareness was 280.53. Principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis identified three clusters, with no clear association according to cultivation site. Genetic structure analysis determined three original populations (K = 3). Seven populations were assigned to the same ancestral group, six populations exhibited shared ancestries and one population displayed a distinct genetic background, suggesting anthropogenic management and exchange plant material among leaf producers. The identified genetic diversity and population structure constitute a basis for the conservation and management of Mexican moringa germplasm.