Newswise — A research team sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa , uncovering significant differences that clarified their phylogenetic relationship.
This study developed 17 chloroplast DNA primers for distinguishing between them, contributing valuable tools for assessing genetic diversity in tea-oil Camellia . These findings hold significant potential for future research and practical applications in germplasm resource assessment, molecular phylogenetic analysis, and the innovation and utilization of tea-oil Camellia in agricultural and industrial practices. Tea-oil Camellia , known for its high oil content and health benefits, is a key woody oil crop with significant cultivation value, especially in China.
Despite its importance, the phylogenetic relationships among tea-oil Camellia species, particularly between C. meiocarpa and C. oleifera , remain controversial due to complex nuclear genomes and interspecific hybridization.
Moreover, no reports exist on the chloroplast genome of C. meiocarpa , and no comparative analysis has been done between C. oleifera and C.
meiocarpa . These unresolved issues hinder effective breeding and production. A study (DOI: 10.
48130/tp-0024-0022) published in Tropical Plants on 24 July 2024, aims to clarify these relationships by analyzing the chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa and developing molecular markers for variety identification and resource utilization.
The research e.