Assessing biodiversity of apricot landraces in Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan) using morphological and genetic traits (Microsatellite data)

For centuries, apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) were used as a staple food in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), northern Pakistan where their high nutritional and medicinal value is still highly appreciated by many inhabitants. Here, many locally recognized landraces (referring to mainly undescribed varieties or cultivars) of apricot are available of which some are at risk of extinction, because of current human preferences replacing landraces by modern cultivars and other crop species. To assess the distribution, diversity, management and use of apricots in G-B, we made use of the region’s unique topography by employing the so-called ‘Dead-end valley sampling’ approach. It allowed to test the influence of market distance on morphological parameter classes. In 2021 and 2022, landrace richness, quantitative and qualitative morphological characteristics, and genetic diversity were investigated from 240 samples of several valleys. By employing 12 SSR markers we elaborated the identification of homonyms and synonyms of landraces. In addition, a total of 52 households from five valleys with three villages each as well as employees of two arboricultural research centres of Gilgit and Baltistan were interviewed.
Among the sampled landraces, 120 different landraces were named by farmers of which Halman, Habi, Karfo chuli and Shikanda were most frequent. The highest Simpson index (0.96) was found in Ishkoman, the most western valley studied. The high average genetic diversity (He = 0.729) across three identified genetic clusters, was supported by high excess of heterozygotes, indicated by negative inbreeding coefficients. Across-valley β-diversity was 0.737. Correlation between phenotypic and genetic dendrograms was moderate (r = 0.45, p = 0.001) indicating genetically linked fruit traits, warranting further investigation. Due to its considerable genetic and phenotypic diversity, Gilgit-Baltistan constitutes an important reservoir of apricot germplasm for future breeding programs. Promoting local landraces—potentially even recognized as distinct varieties—could help farmers diversify production and income sources while preserving the region’s historically significant bio-cultural heritage. To realize this potential, conservation and management measures combined with stakeholder-driven research and controlled breeding initiatives for effective monitoring will be essential.