Background: Assessments of genetic diversity are essential for
germplasm characterization and exploitation. Molecular markers are
valuable tools for exploring genetic variation and identifying
germplasm. They play key roles in a Xanthoceras sorbifolia breeding
program. Results: We analyzed the genetic diversity of populations of
this species using 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and data on
kernel oil content. The 11 populations included in the study were
distributed across a large geographic range in China. The kernel oil
content differed significantly among populations. The SSR marker
analysis detected high genetic diversity among the populations. All
SSRs were polymorphic, and we identified 80 alleles across the
populations. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to
six, averaging 3.48 per primer pair. The polymorphism information
content values ranged from 0.35 to 0.70, averaging 0.51. Expected
heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, and Shannon's information
index calculations detected large genetic variations among populations
of different provenance. The high average number of alleles per locus
and the allelic diversity observed in the set of genotypes analyzed
indicated that the genetic base of this species was relatively wide.
The statistically significant positive correlation between genetic and
geographic distances suggested adaptations to local conditions.
Conclusions: Microsatellite markers can be used to efficiently
distinguish X. sorbifolia populations and assess their genetic
diversity. The information we have provided will contribute to the
conservation and management of this important plant genetic resource