Genomic characterization of a global Corylus avellana L. collection: insights into hazelnut ancestry and genetic determinants of production traits.

ABSTRACT:

Background

European Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a high-value, understudied crop that exhibits a large diversity of traits. Commercial production relies on a small number of globally grown varieties. Advancing hazelnut breeding requires a comprehensive understanding of its genetic diversity and its association with valuable traits. Here, we used genotyping-by-sequencing to sequence 316 hazelnut varieties, retaining 282 samples and 44,757 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after quality control. This collection was used to study genetic diversity, identify genomic loci under selection, and describe genome-wide association with nut traits, i.e. nut size, perimeter and caliber.

Results

We uncovered three genetic clusters and five ancestral populations, with Eurasian va

SUBMITTER: Salardi-Jost M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12752254 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature