Anadolu Kökenli Tarımsal Genetik Kaynak Lens Culinaris Medik. Türünün Genetik Çeşitliliğinin ve Filocografik Örüntülerinin Belirlenmesi

Abstract

This study investigates the genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of lentil and its wild relatives originating from Anatolia and the Fertile Crescent. Lentil, a cultivated plant, is classified within the Lens genus under the species Lens culinaris Medik. Due to disagreements in both the genus and species' taxonomy and recently discovered taxa, morphological and molecular studies were conducted to clarify taxonomic positions within the genus. Consequently, taxonomic assessment and a diagnostic key were developed for the Anatolian samples. Whole-genome analysis was employed to evaluate genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns, and Ecological Niche Models were created to aid in the development of conservation strategies for taxa. Within the scope of the study, morphological analyzes were made both in the samples collected from the natural distribution areas of the taxa, as well as in the gene banks and herbarium samples. Whole-genome analyses were performed on 24 individuals representing five taxa distributed in Turkey. Niche models utilized global occurrence data, excluding a taxon from Turkey due to limited observations to avoid bias. However, niche models were developed and interpreted for five taxa, including another taxon with global distribution. As a result of this study, it has been decided that a classification consisting of four species and five taxa belonging to the Lens genus is appropriate, and a diagnostic key has been prepared for Anatolian samples. It has been revealed that the L. culinaris subsp. orientalis (Boiss.) Ponert shows high genetic diversity in Anatolia, is the closest relative to the cultivated plant, and is present in the primary gene pool as the ancestral species. Furthermore, it has been concluded that climate change will have varying levels of impact on the suitable habitats of all examined Lens taxa. Accordingly, L. culinaris subsp. orientalis and L. culinaris subsp. odemensis (Ladiz.) M.E. Ferguson & al. are considered of primary priority due to their presence in the primary gene pool and their sensitivity to climate change as first-degree priority taxa. L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus (Ladiz.) M.E. Ferguson & al., with its limited known populations and unknown responses to climate change, is among the primary priority taxa. L. ervoides (Brign.) Grande and L. lamottei Czefr., on the other hand, are recommended as second-degree priority taxa. L. nigricans (M. Bieb.) Godron, being both in the fourth gene pool and the least affected by climate change, is of the least priority for conservation as an agricultural genetic resource. The study's results offer valuable data for gene bank managers, conservation biologists, and decision-makers. Moreover, the projections are crucial for developing priority determination methods in crop wild relative conservation.