A single origin and high genetic diversity of cultivated medicinal herb Glehnia littoralis subsp. littoralis (Apiaceae) deciphered by SSR marker and phenotypic analysis.

Ten SSR markers based on transcriptome sequencing were employed to genotype 231 samples of G. littoralis subsp. littoralis (Apiaceae) from nine cultivated populations and seven wild populations, aiming to assess the genetic diversity and genetic structure, and elucidate the origin of the cultivated populations. Cultivated populations exhibited relatively high genetic diversity (h = 0.441, I = 0.877), slightly lower than that of their wild counterparts (h = 0.491, I = 0.930), likely due to recent domestication and ongoing gene flow between wild and cultivated germplasm. The primary cultivated population in Shandong have the crucial genetic status. A single origin of domestication was inferred through multiple analysis, and wild populations from Liaoning and Shandong are inferred to be potentially the ancestor source for the present cultivated populations. Phenotypic analysis revealed a relatively high heritability of root length across three growth periods (0.683, 0.284, 0.402), with significant correlations observed between root length and petiole length (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.30, P<0.05), as well as between root diameter and leaf area (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.36, P<0.01). These parameters can serve as valuable indicators for monitoring the developmental progress of medicinal plants during field management. In summary, this study can shed light on the intricate genetic landscape of G. littoralis subsp. littoralis, providing foundational insights crucial for conservation strategies, targeted breeding initiatives, and sustainable management practices in both agricultural and natural habitats.