Genetic diversity, population structure, and genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of ginkgo cultivars

Abstract Ginkgo biloba is worldwide an economically valuable tree. The species has nearly got extinct during the Quaternary which likely result in reduction of its genetic variability. This now conserved few natural populations China and number cultivars are, however, derived from a ancient trees, helping survival through medieval times. Despite recent interest on ginkgo, detail knowledge diversity, cultivated trees remained poor. limit efficient conservation diversity as well use existing germplasm resources. Here we performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) sequencing 102 ginkgo collected to explore their structure, kinship inbreeding prediction. And for first time genome-wide association analysis study (GWAS) was used try gene mapping seed traits. results showed that most did not show obvious relationship. size population expanded significantly around 1500 years ago Sui Tang dynasties. Classification based phylogenetic perspective does support current classification criteria phenotype. Twenty-four candidate genes were localized after performing GWAS Overall, this reveal basis traits shed insights into cultivation history, these findings will facilitate utilization domesticated germplasms living fossil plants.