A dual marker approach to assess genetic diversity and adaptation in Indian Himalayan Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

To evaluate genetic diversity and adaptive variation in Hippophae rhamnoides L. throughout the Indian Himalaya, this study compares morphological and microsatellite (SSR) markers. In total 120 individuals from six populations in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand that represented a range of altitudes (2,500-4,000 m) were examined. Morphological data included quantitative traits, while 12 SSR markers were used for molecular profiling. The findings indicated that there was a moderate amount of phenotypic variation among the populations, and that altitude was largely responsible for clustering. With an average PIC of 0.67 and mean expected heterozygosity of 0.72, SSR markers demonstrated greater genetic resolution. According to AMOVA, there was 82% variation within populations and 18% variation between them. The analysis via Mantel test identified a minor linkage between genetic markers and morphological traits (r = 0.29). Results suggest physical characteristics align more closely with local environmental conditions, while SSR data better reflects population genetics. Integrating both methods could enhance conservation strategies and breeding programs amid shifting climates.