Diversity analysis of Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan (Mimosaceae) using phenotypic traits, chromosome counting and DNA content approaches

摘要: Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan (Family Fabaceae; subfamily Mimosoideae) is a pioneer tree of dry areas. In spite its several uses, there are no any published studies which deal with genetic diversity in Tunisia. For this reason, here we study morphometric (only Tunisian populations), chromosome counting, and cytometric (in Ziambabwean populations) approaches. Morphological field four populations (Bouhedma, Haddej, Hajeb Gtar, respectively, designated as A, B, C, D) A. using general linear model (ANOVA) revealed statistically highly-significant differences between for all examined characters (P < 0.0001). Significant were found also genotypes the majority morphological traits 0.0001) except width 10 pods (laP), weight (Wt) seed number (Sn) ≥ 0.110). The variability tree, pod can be exploited agro-industrial purposes. DNA amount numbers Umguza Gwaii River from Ziambabwe C D determined. had 2C nuclear contents 2.95-3.03 pg, shown to tetraploid (2n = 4x 52), whilst two 1.39-1.40 pg diploid 2x 26). It suggested that paleotetraploids, adapted more-arid local conditions.