Genetic diversity in natural populations of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae L.) growing in cold desert of Ladakh, India

Abstract

Detailed surveys were carried out to study the wild germplasm of seabuckthorn growing at high altitudes in Ladakh. Different regions of this cold desert were scanned to document the degree of variation in the naturally growing populations of this economically important taxon. Observations recorded on 26 quantitative traits of vegetative and reproductive nature were compiled from 122 plants belonging to 16 populations and the mean values subjected to Principal component analysis. This was done to determine and assess the extent of genetic diversity existing in the germplasm. Extensive variability at the intra- and inter-population levels was seen across the four major areas of Leh district in the Union territory of Ladakh. The variation seems to be influenced largely by the local environmental factors and micro-habitat conditions.