Genetic diversity and structure of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in southeastern Kenya.

ABSTRACT: Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an iconic tree of African savannahs. Its multipurpose character and nutritional composition of fruits and leaves offer high economic and social potential for local communities. There is an urgent need to characterize the genetic diversity of the Kenyan baobab populations in order to facilitate further conservation and domestication programmes. This study aims at documenting the genetic diversity and structure of baobab populations in southeastern Kenya. Leaf or bark samples were collected from 189 baobab trees in seven populations distributed in two geographical groups, i.e. four inland and three coastal populations. Nine microsatellite loci were used to assess genetic diversity. Overall, genetic diversity of the species was high and similarly distr

SUBMITTER: Chladova A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6774979 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature