Genetic Diversity within and between Different Populations of Capparis decidua in Saudi Arabia
Awarding Institute: Research Center of the College of Food & Agric. Sciences.
Principle Investigator: Prof. Abdulaziz M. Assaeed
Co-Investigator: Dr. A. L. Abdel-Mawgood.
Introduction
The semi-leafless caper bush [Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew] is economically (a browse shrub for camels and goats and a source for pharmacological material) and ecologically useful plant. Also, the plant has a good potential in landscaping. The plant is widely spread in many parts of Asia and Africa. The distribution of C. decidua in Saudi Arabia is limited to some parts of the western and central regions in forms of fragmented populations. Despite the importance of the plant, there is almost no information on its population genetic structure.
Genetic diversity of a population forms the basis of the plant adaptability to climatic changes. As genetic diversity within a particular population increases, the population is likely to tolerate adverse biotic and abiotic factors. Knowledge on the genetic structure of a plant population is, therefore, vital for the proper management and conservation of a plant. Special care should be taken for a population with low genetic diversity. Meanwhile, low genetic variation among different populations of the same species implies that selection of material source for ecological restoration would not be critical issue as this indicates that there is no adaptability to local environments. The proposed research project is a continuation of an ongoing research on the genetic diversity of C. decidua population in Rhaudhat Khuraim using the molecular biology technique. Our results indicated that genetic diversity of C. decidua in this isolated population was extremely low. Thus, this population is under the threat of extinction. The aim of this project is to study the genetic structure within and among different populations of C. decidua in Saudi Arabia. The study is expected to yield valuable information that will help in planning for a proper management and conservation of the plant.
Research Objectives
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To determine the genetic diversity among six C. decidua populations in Saudi Arabia.
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To determine the genetic relationships among these populations.
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To use the generated information for the preservation goals of the species.
Approach
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