Genetic origins and climate-induced erosion in economically important Asian walnuts.

ABSTRACT: The global climate is undergoing unprecedented changes, posing significant threats to species persistence. However, the spatiotemporal impacts on genetic diversity remain poorly understood, hindering species conservation and management. Walnuts, generally referred to as Juglans regia and J. sigillata, are economically vital in Asia, but little is known about their genetic origins and how the species will be affected by future climate change. Using 31 microsatellites, we genotyped 5282 individuals from 233 populations of walnuts in Asia. We assessed genetic diversity patterns and demographic history and investigated potential future genetic erosion risks. Genetic diversity of walnuts was high in the Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains. The 2 species diverged during the Pleistocene (around 1.41 

SUBMITTER: Fan PZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12856795 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature