Genetic variation and molecular profiling of Saudi Arabian Corchorus olitorius L germplasms using SCoT markers

The Jute plant (Corchorus olitorius L.) has significant economic value as a source of biodegradable fibre and high medicinal value as a source of different salts and vitamins. Jute, as a crop, faces various types of environmental pressures, including both biotic abiotic stresses and limited availability of genetic resources. Jute has been successfully cultivated in various regions within Saudi Arabia. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its diversity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the jute germplasm of Saudi Arabia and compare it to that of international jute cultivars. This study included 72 samples of a total of 24 cultivars. This group included eight local jute cultivars and 16 international from “Japan, China, India, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and USA”. DNA was extracted and amplified using 7 start codon targeted (SCoT) primers. The data collected from the SCoT markers were evaluated using different analysis methods: Bayesian clustering analysis structure, and neighbour joining (NJ) tree. The results revealed elevated levels of polymorphic information content (PIC). The average value was 0.657, the SCoT markers were adequate for discerning and differentiating the specimens under examination. The findings from genetic data analyses revealed that the samples could be categorized into three distinct populations, while local jute cultivars from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia belongs to two different genetic populations. This is the first-time genetic diversity of local jute cultivars examine using SCoT technique. These results have significant potential for enhancing breeding efforts and improving the quality of jute cultivars and endorse crossbreeding initiatives involving these distinct genotypes.