Walnut (Juglans spp.) genetic diversity determined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms

The genetic diversity of 13 Juglans species was characterized using nuclear RFLPs. Allelic frequencies among 41 Juglans populations were determined at 19 RFLP loci by hybridizing single locus probes to walnut DNAs digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI or HindIII. A 10-fold difference in species heterozygosity levels was seen among species in different sections of the genus. Differentiation among conspecific populations varied over threefold between species. Genetic differentiation among conspecific east Asian populations was larger than that seen among east Asian species, while the opposite trend was seen for Western Hemisphere species. Taxonomic affinities were also indicated by these results, suggesting that J. cinerea should be included as part of section Cardiocaryon rather than as a unique section, Trachycaryon. Juglans hindsii is classified as a distinct species and not a subspecies of J. californica. Strategies for germplasm preservation and species requiring marked collection efforts are given.Key words: Juglans, RFLP, genetic diversity, walnut.