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Phenotypic Expression of Diaspores Indicates Genetic Diversity in Natural Populations of Spondias tuberosa (Anacardiaceae)
by
, , , , , , , , and
João Henrique Constantino Sales Silva
*
,
Joyce Naiara da Silva
,
Caroline Marques Rodrigues
,
Eduardo Luã Fernandes da Silva
,
Luís Gustavo Alves de Almeida
,
Maria Karoline Ferreira Bernardo
,
Kaline Lígia do Nascimento
,
Ruth da Silva Ramos
,
Naysa Flávia Ferreira do Nascimento
and
Edna Ursulino Alves
Department of Plant Science and Environmental Sciences, Center for Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, University Campus II, Areia 58397-000, PB, Brazil
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121641
Submission received: 6 October 2025
/
Revised: 3 November 2025
/
Accepted: 19 November 2025
/
Published: 21 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tropical and Subtropical Plant Ecology and Physiology)
Simple Summary
The umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa) is a very important tree in the Brazilian semi-arid region, and the genetic differences that exist between its populations are a valuable resource for ensuring both the conservation of the species and the improvement of fruit production. In this study, fruits from 38 trees from three natural populations were analyzed, observing the size, weight, and quality of the seeds. The research showed that there is great diversity among umbuzeiro trees, especially in fruit length, which was the most striking characteristic in differentiating the trees. Several distinct groups of plants were identified, indicating that there is great variety within each population. This diversity is essential, as it increases the species’ chances of adapting to climate change and contributes to more sustainable cultivation practices, in addition to strengthening the local economy based on umbu.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess phenotypic variation and its implications for genetic diversity in natural populations of Spondias tuberosa. Fruits were harvested from 38 mother plants from three natural populations, and the physical traits of the fruits, endocarps, and physiological quality of the seeds were evaluated in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 25 fruits per genotype. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were grouped via the Scott–Knott method. Genetic diversity was evaluated via UPGMA and Tocher clustering methods, which are based on the Mahalanobis distance (D2) and canonical variables, whereas the relative importance of the characters was evaluated via the Singh method. The results indicated high phenotypic variability, with fruit length was the main discriminant trait among genotypes. The groupings formed six (UPGMA) and 12 groups (Tocher), indicating greater divergence within populations. The analysis of phenotypic data provides a solid basis for understanding the ecological dynamics of and supporting sustainable management practices for S. tuberosa, in line with bioeconomic objectives. This study highlights the importance of preserving phenotypic variability in populations, which is essential for the adaptation of species to environmental changes and for improving local bioeconomies.
Keywords:
bioeconomy; Caatinga; conservation; morphological diversity; umbuzeiro
