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Exploring genetic diversity and phytochemical variability in wild ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich. var. tenacissima (Roxb.) Miq.): Implications for conservation and breeding

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2025

Shin Ae Lee ,
Hyemin Seo ,
Seahee Han ,
Hari Won ,
Jun Seong Jeong ,
Jihoon Jo  and
Kyung Jun Lee Open the ORCID record for Kyung Jun Lee [Opens in a new window]
Shin Ae Lee
Affiliation:
Division of Genetic Resources, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
Hyemin Seo
Affiliation:
Division of Genetic Resources, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
Seahee Han
Affiliation:
Division of Botany, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
Hari Won
Affiliation:
Division of Genetic Resources, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
Jun Seong Jeong
Affiliation:
Division of Genetic Resources, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
Jihoon Jo
Affiliation:
Division of Genetic Resources, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
Kyung Jun Lee*
Affiliation:
Division of Genetic Resources, Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, Mokpo-si, Republic of Korea
*
Corresponding author: Kyung Jun Lee; Email: lkj5214@hnibr.re.kr
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Abstract

Genetic diversity and phytochemical content are critical factors for enhancing the utility of wild plant species for breeding and conservation. In this study, we investigated wild ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich. var. tenacissima (Roxb.) Miq.) populations from six coastal and island regions of South Korea. Genetic diversity was assessed in 150 samples using genotyping-by-sequencing, which revealed high genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.438) among the populations. Notably, the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.297 to 0.422, whereas the allele richness ranged from 1.256 to 1.323. These findings suggest significant genetic variability within and among the populations. Phytochemical analyses were conducted to measure total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively) over 2 years. The TPC varied significantly across regions and years, with averages ranging from 2.2 to 30.3 mgGAE/g in 2021 and 3.2 to 19.6 mgGAE/g in 2022. Similarly, the TFC values exhibited regional and annual differences with significant environmental influences. Although TPC showed strong genotype-by-environment interactions, TFC was predominantly affected by environmental factors. This study highlights the potential of wild ramie as a reservoir of genetic and biochemical traits for the development of improved cultivars with high antioxidant properties. By linking genetic diversity to phytochemical variation, this study highlights the importance of conserving wild genetic resources and optimizing their use in breeding programmes. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of the genetic and environmental factors that influence economically valuable traits in wild plants.

Keywords

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich. var. tenacissima (Roxb.) Miqcrop wild relativesgenetic diversityphytochemicals

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Plant Genetic Resources , First View , pp. 1 - 8
Copyright
© Honam National Institute of Biological Resources, 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of National Institute of Agricultural Botany.

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