Genetic Diversity of Tree Peony Germplasm Resources Based on SSR Markers and Association Analysis of Phenotypic Traits

HEZhihong, LIJingjing, HELixia, XUJingjing, ZHANGJingjing, YANGGuozhou, LIRui, QUDan, LIUZixin, TANGXiaoya, GAOBinbin, ZHAOPing, YANGYuchuan

Chin Agric Sci Bull ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (21) : 120-131.

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Chin Agric Sci Bull ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (21) : 120-131. DOI: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0961

Genetic Diversity of Tree Peony Germplasm Resources Based on SSR Markers and Association Analysis of Phenotypic Traits

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Abstract

In order to explore the genetic diversity among different tree peony germplasm resources and identify molecular markers associated with key ornamental traits, this study was conducted by using 79 wild tree peony germplasm resources and cultivated varieties as test materials. 30 pairs of SSR molecular markers were employed for whole-genome scanning to systematically evaluate their genetic diversity and population genetic structure, and a whole-genome association analysis of ornamental traits was conducted. The results showed that 869 allelic variations were detected across the 30 SSR markers, with a range of 13 to 49 variations. The gene diversity index ranged from 0.7182 to 0.9462, with an average value of 0.8737, the polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.7047 to 0.9436, and the genetic similarity coefficient (GS) ranged from 0.3583 to 0.9500, with an average value of 0.6542, indicating that the tested population possessed a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Both cluster analysis based on genetic distance and population genetic structure analysis classified the germplasm resources into four genetic groups, revealing significant subpopulation differentiation characteristics. According to the generalized linear model (GLM) association analysis, 13 markers were found to be highly significantly associated (P<0.01) with 10 phenotypic traits, including plant shape, length of current year branches, flower type, and number of pistils. The explanatory power of phenotypic variation ranged from 0.3735 to 0.7254, with the marker Ps067 having the highest explanation rate of 0.7254, which was related to the color of stamen anthers; and the marker Ps029 with the lowest explanation rate of 0.3735, related to number of pistils. This study conducted an association analysis between phenotypic traits and molecular markers of wild and cultivated tree peony varieties for the first time, and identified 13 molecular markers that are highly significantly associated with 10 phenotypic traits. These findings can provide theoretical support for parental selection in hybridization, allele mining, and molecular marker-assisted breeding, thereby facilitating the targeted cultivation of new tree peony cultivars with ornamental characteristics.

Key words

tree peony / SSR markers / phenotypic traits / genetic diversity / population genetic structure / association analysis

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HE Zhihong , LI Jingjing , HE Lixia , et al . Genetic Diversity of Tree Peony Germplasm Resources Based on SSR Markers and Association Analysis of Phenotypic Traits[J]. Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin. 2026, 42(21): 120-131 https://doi.org/10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0961

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