Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Hilacha Mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Montería, Colombia Based on SSR Markers

Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity within cultivated plant populations is essential for developing effective conservation and sustainable management strategies. Hilacha mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important traditional landraces cultivated in the Colombian Caribbean; however, information on its genetic diversity and population structure remains limited. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of five Hilacha mango populations from Montería, Córdoba, Colombia, using eight Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) loci. A total of 47 accessions were genotyped, and genetic diversity indices, Wright's F-statistics, gene flow, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), Bayesian clustering, and principal coordinates analysis were performed. The SSR loci revealed substantial allelic variation, with pronounced differences in allele distribution among populations. Florida and San Anterito exhibited the highest levels of allelic richness and genetic diversity, whereas all populations showed lower observed than expected heterozygosity, indicating a generalized heterozygote deficit. Wright's statistics revealed moderate genetic differentiation, mean Fixation Index (FST) = 0.109 and relatively high number of migrants per generation (Nm) of 2.464, suggesting that historical germplasm exchange has contributed to maintaining genetic connectivity among populations. AMOVA further showed that most genetic variation was distributed among individuals within populations rather than among populations. These findings demonstrate that Hilacha mango populations in Montería constitute a valuable reservoir of genetic diversity and provide a robust molecular foundation for germplasm conservation, sustainable management, and future breeding programs aimed at preserving this traditional mango landrace.