Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 9-17 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 9 Research Insight Open Access Genetic Diversity Analysis and Superior Gene Mining of Sapindus mukorossi Germplasm Resources Jie Zhang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jie.zhang@jicat.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2025, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2025.15.0002 Received: 23 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 25 Jan., 2025 Published: 01 Feb., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang J., 2025, Genetic diversity analysis and superior gene mining of Sapindus mukorossi germplasm resources, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 15(1): 9-17 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2025.15.0001) Abstract This study conducted a relatively comprehensive analysis of the germplasm resources of Sapindus mukorossi, examined its genetic diversity, explored the structure among different populations and their evolutionary relationships, identified some functional genes related to saponin content and stress resistance, and evaluated the performance of superior germplasm in different ecological environments. This study also confirmed through the association analysis of genotypes and phenotypes which genes might affect saponin content and stress resistance. This study reveals the diversity of Sapindus mukorossi germplasm and the genetic basis behind these good traits, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for future molecular breeding. Keywords Sapindus mukorossi; Genetic diversity; Superior genes; Saponin content; Molecular markers 1 Introduction Sapindus mukorossi (also known as the soap nut tree) is an economic tree species with many uses. The fact that its fruit contains natural saponins makes it very popular in industries such as laundry, medicine and cosmetics (Upadhyay and Singh, 2012; Li et al., 2013; Wei et al., 2020; Sochacki and Vogt, 2022). Zhao et al. (2019) believed that if the germplasm resources of Sapindus mukorossi have rich genetic diversity, it is helpful for its protection and laying a good foundation for subsequent development and utilization. Understanding these genetic differences is useful for breeders to select varieties with high saponin content and strong stress resistance and to expand its application in industry (Chang et al., 2021). Gao et al. (2023) proposed that the fruit saponin content of Sapindus mukorossi is high, and its economic value is highly valued. The improvement of economic traits is inseparable from the rich genetic diversity in germplasm resources. Mahar et al. (2011b) and Xue et al. ’s research in 2022 found that Sapindus mukorossi populations in different regions showed significant differences, with the highest genetic diversity in the southwest region. This is beneficial for the adaptation and survival of the species itself and providing more options for subsequent breeding (Sun et al., 2018a; Liu et al., 2022). Understanding the genetic diversity of Sapindus mukorossi can provide a scientific basis for breeding high-quality varieties and is a key step in improving economic benefits. Sun et al. (2018b) and Liu et al. (2021) demonstrated that by identifying genes related to high saponin content or stress resistance, molecular breeding methods can be utilized to cultivate stronger and more productive Sapindus mukorossi. This genetic information is very useful for the screening of high-quality germplasm and the breeding of good varieties suitable for various environments (Mahar et al., 2011a; Xue et al., 2022). This study will analyze the genetic diversity of Sapindus mukorossi, identify the dominant genes suitable for breeding, understand its genetic structure and variation, and also provide a reference for formulating more scientific protection and utilization strategies. This study will also explore the practical application of molecular markers in germplasm screening, laying the foundation for the future promotion of molecular-assisted breeding techniques in Sapindus mukorossi.
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