Determination of Genetic Diversity of Sinapis arvensis L. (Wild Mustard) by Microsatellite Markers

Abstract

Herbicides are heavily used to manage Sinapis arvensis, mostly a self-fertilizing weed that poses issues in wheat fields. Cross-fertilization may lead to genetic differentiation of this species. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic diversity of individuals collected from wheat fields across various regions in Turkey. The degree of genetic variation in wild mustard populations was evaluated using 5 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in samples taken from 30 different locations in Türkiye. Populations were analyzed using UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) and principal component analysis (PCA). The mean genetic diversity (GD) and polymorphism information content (PIC) values were 0.752 and 0.844, respectively. Results showed high genetic variability among individual genotypes within geographic locations. The populations were categorized into two major groups, as indicated by the UPGMA dendrogram generated using Average Linkage. There was no apparent geographic isolation among the genotypes of the studied wild mustard, which displayed a high degree of variability. It is recognized that the primary source of this condition is the adaptability of wild mustard seeds dispersed through various methods across different locations. Despite being a predominantly self-pollinating species, they may also employ some cross-pollination mechanisms. In conclusion, SSR markers prove useful in determining genetic diversity in outcrossing species, especially in cases where no prior genotypic information is available. The study suggests that genetic diversity is maintained in wild mustard populations even with rotational farming practices and the use of herbicides.