Please login first
Integrative Taxonomy of Wild Citrus Germplasm: Linking Molecular and Morphological Evidence to Stress Tolerance
1 , * 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 3
1  National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
2  College of Life Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
3  National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizhishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
Academic Editor: Saraj Bahadur

Published: 01 December 2025 by MDPI in The 1st International Online Conference on Taxonomy session Plant Taxonomy
Abstract:

Integrative taxonomy offers a powerful approach to clarify species boundaries and enhance the utility of wild germplasm in breeding programs. The genus Citrus and its wild relatives harbor rich genetic diversity with the potential to enhance crop resilience under climatic stress. Yet, frequent hybridization, polyploidy, and overlapping morphological traits have created taxonomic ambiguities that constrain their systematic use. This study integrates molecular and morphological evidence to resolve classification challenges and identify lineages associated with stress tolerance traits. Morphological characterization employed key descriptors such as leaf morphology, fruit architecture, and reproductive traits, while molecular analyses utilized chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers together with genome-wide SNP data. Phylogenetic reconstructions provided improved resolution of taxonomic relationships, revealing distinct clades that correspond with adaptations to salinity, drought, and temperature extremes. Comparative analyses further highlighted taxonomic groups enriched for allelic variants associated with stress-responsive pathways. By resolving taxonomic uncertainties, this integrative framework strengthens the use of wild Citrus germplasm in breeding climate-resilient varieties, advancing sustainable fruit production and food security.

Keywords: Citrus germplasm; Integrative taxonomy; Morphological taxonomy; Molecular markers; Phylogenetic analysis; Stress tolerance
Comments on this paper
Currently there are no comments available.


 
 
Top