Development of a Core Collection for Tetraclinis Articulata Using ISSR Markers and Maximization Strategy

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (Cupressaceae) is a woody tree species indigenous to North Africa. It is also found occasionally in Malta and Spain showing significant adaptability to different bioclimatic conditions. Due to its economic and ecologic values, this tree is affected by human and environmental disturbance leading to habitat fragmentation and genetic diversity loss. In this study, we aimed to promote the conservation of T. articulata, by measuring the allelic richness of a representative sample of 129 germplasms. Results showed differences in allele distribution. Inter–simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and the advanced maximization strategy implemented in PowerCore software were deployed to establish the first core collection of T. articulata. A core collection containing 10.07