GENETIC DIVERSITY, STRUCTURE AND DIFFERENTIATION IN CULTIVATED WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.)

An analysis of genetic structure and differentiation in cultivated walnut (Juglans regia) using 15 microsatellite loci revealed a considerable amount of genetic variation with a mild genetic structure indicating five genetic groups corresponding to the centers of diversity within the home range of walnut in Eurasia. Despite the narrow genetic differentiation among groups accounting for only 10 to 15% of the total variation, the groups differed significantly with respect to frequency and composition of alleles for different loci. Moderate to high genetic variability with mild genetic structure is found to be ideal for association genetic analysis.