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Highlighting the occurrence of tetraploidy in Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. and genetic variation patterns in its natural range revealed by DNA microsatellite markers

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Abstract

Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. is the main species producing the internationally traded gum arabic. Genetic studies of this species are rare and until now the chromosome number was thought to be diploid (2n = 2x = 26). Here, using chromosome number counting, we demonstrate for the first time that tetraploids (2n = 4x = 52) also occur in A. senegal. Nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers were used to estimate and compare genetic variation within this newly described polyploidy complex in the Sudano-Sahelian region in Africa. Genetic diversity was higher in diploids, suggesting that the formation of tetraploids is recent and that mutation–drift equilibrium has not yet been reached. The two cytotypes do not have the same genetic structure and are genetically differentiated. Among tetraploids, populations are greatly differentiated and do not share the same chlorotypes. Based on these results, we discuss recurrent formation of tetraploids from different diploid progenitors across the distribution range of A. senegal in the Sudano-Sahelian zone.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Faculty of Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University (Niger) for help in collecting A. senegal samples in its natural range in Niger. We are also grateful to CIRAD-Bios (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Department Systèmes Biologiques, France), Research Unit 39, where molecular analyses were carried out. This work was supported by Acaciagum project (FP6-INCO-32233) and by IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, France).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CIRAD-Bios, UMR AGAP « Genetic diversity and breeding of forest trees », Baillarguet TA A-108/C, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France

    A. Assoumane, B. Favreau & D. Verhaegen

  2. Faculté des Sciences, Université Abdou Moumouni, BP 10662, Niamey, Niger

    A. Assoumane & A. M. Zoubeirou

  3. IRD Représentation du Niger, 276 Avenue de Maradi, BP 11416, Niamey, Niger

    A. Assoumane & G. Bezançon

  4. CIRAD-Bios, UMR DAP, TA-A 96/03, Avenue Agropolis, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France

    M. Rodier-Goud

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  1. A. Assoumane
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  2. A. M. Zoubeirou
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  3. M. Rodier-Goud
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Correspondence to D. Verhaegen.

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Assoumane, A., Zoubeirou, A.M., Rodier-Goud, M. et al. Highlighting the occurrence of tetraploidy in Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. and genetic variation patterns in its natural range revealed by DNA microsatellite markers. Tree Genetics & Genomes 9, 93–106 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-012-0537-0

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