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Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure on Azadirachta indica A. Juss. in an Urban Metropolitan: Ahmedabad, India.

Jay J Kavithiya·Kush V Prajapati·Pooja G Trivedi·Gaurang M Sindhav
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Abstract

Azadirachta indica (A. indica) A. Juss., commonly known as Neem, is a valuable multipurpose tree with profound medicinal properties and socioeconomic importance, widely recognized since ancient Ayurvedic times. Despite its prominence, knowledge about its genetic diversity within the metropolitan area of Ahmedabad is limited. This study marks the first in-depth exploration of the genetic diversity and population structure of A. indica in Ahmedabad. The authenticity of the species was validated through DNA barcoding, and a Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to collect the samples. A total of 35 A. indica accessions were analyzed using five Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers. Genetic diversity and population structure were evaluated using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers through polymorphism assessment, clustering, ordination, and Bayesian population structure analyses. ISSRs revealed a high level of polymorphism (75.66%), indicating substantial genetic variability among accessions. An analysis of genetic diversity indices revealed low to moderate diversity (Hs = 0.14, Ht = 0.217, I = 0.217). Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analysis depicted 81% variation within the population and 19% among the population. Low to moderate genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.319) and moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.06) indicated that urban development has not hindered gene flow among populations. Mantel's test revealed a weak but significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances, suggesting limited isolation by distance. The estimated ΔK using STRUCTURE exhibited two subpopulations, representing two gene pools for A. indica accessions (K = 2). Collectively, these patterns indicate that urbanization has not severely disrupted genetic connectivity in A. indica, reflecting its resilience and adaptive potential in a metropolitan environment. These findings provide pivotal knowledge for further understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of A. indica in one of the fastest-growing cities in India, which can be utilized for new breeding programmes, sustainable development and future conservation strategies around the globe.

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IndiaAzadirachtaMicrosatellite RepeatsGenetic VariationPhylogenyPolymorphism, GeneticAzadirachta indicaGenetic diversityISSRPopulation structureUrbanizationJournal Article

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Jay J Kavithiya, Kush V Prajapati, Pooja G Trivedi, Gaurang M Sindhav. 2026-04-07. Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure on Azadirachta indica A. Juss. in an Urban Metropolitan: Ahmedabad, India.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10528-026-11373-7

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Journal Article resourceGenetic Variation subjectIndia subjectJournal Article subjectPhylogeny subjectPolymorphism, Genetic subject

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