Exploring the Genetic Variability of Gmelina arborea Roxb. in Mexico with Molecular Markers to Establish an Efficient Improvement Program

Melina (<i>Gmelina arborea</i> Roxb.) is a tree native to Asia, whose timber is not utilized in that region for a variety of reasons. However, the tree's fast growth and extensive range of applications have increased its acceptance in other world'regions. <i>G. arborea</i> was introduced to Mexico in 1971, and it is currently the fifth most utilized forest species in commercial forest plantations (CFPs). However, its genetic diversity has not been evaluated in Mexico. The objective of this research was to investigate the genetic variability of Melina in Mexico using molecular markers. This investigation was undertaken to acquire valuable insights for the implementation of effective improvement strategies. A total of 85 Melina samples were collected from various locations in southeastern Mexico between 2017 and 2022. Genetic fingerprints were obtained using ten simple primer amplification reactions (SPARs): five Directed Amplification of Minisatellite DNA regions (DAMD), and five Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs). The polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.940 and 0.950 for the DAMD and ISSR, respectively, and the similarity coefficients ranged from 0.12 to 0.88, indicating a high degree of polymorphism in the species under investigation. This is the first attempt to ascertain the genetic variability of <i>Gmelina arborea</i> in Mexico.