Diversity and genetic structure of kanisté (Pouteria campechiana), an underutilized tropical fruit tree native to the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Fruit trees have been part of human diet since the dawn of humanity. Kanisté ( Pouteria campechiana , Sapotaceae), is an underutilized fruit tree native to Mesoamerica. In the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, its consumption and cultivation by Mayan communities have declined in recent decades, placing this species at potential risk. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of kanisté within its natural distribution area and possible center of domestication. To this end, young leaves from 40 trees were collected from natural and anthropogenic environments and characterized using 18 microsatellite (SSR) markers and 167 Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) loci. Additionally, we conducted a BLAST analysis to explore potential associations between the SSR loci and phenotypic traits. Results from both molecular markers revealed two main genetic groups with substructures related to the geographical origins of individuals collected in natural vegetation. At the species level, genetic diversity was moderate (SSR: H E =0.52±0.031), but higher in the natural habitats (SSR: H E =0.64±0.032) than in anthropogenic environments (SSR: H E =0.39±0.058). While these results may indicate a good conservation status of the species in its natural range, they could also reflect the effects of genetic erosion on cultivated kanisté, raising concerns for its long-term viability. Notably, 16 of the 18 SSR loci exhibited hits on protein-coding regions, including genes involved in regulating sugar flux and seed development. This study provides a foundation for future conservation and management strategies for kanisté in the Yucatán Peninsula and opens new avenues for research on domestication and genetics conservation. • This is the first analysis of genetic diversity and structure of Pouteria campechiana within its natural distribution area and possible center of domestication. • The genetic diversity of Pouteria campechiana is organized into 2 main groups. • The high number of ISSR loci used allowed the detection of a genetic substructure. • At the species level, moderate genetic diversity was found. • Trees collected in anthropogenic habitats showed less genetic diversity than those trees collected in natural vegetation.