# Genomic Differentiation, Diversity, and Genetic Structuring of Euterpe edulis Mart. Morphotype in Espírito Santo, Brazil

## TL;DR

This study explores genetic differences among different forms of Euterpe edulis in Brazil to better understand their diversity and adaptation.

## Contribution

The study identifies genomic differentiation and genetic structuring among Euterpe edulis morphotypes in Espírito Santo using SNP analysis.

## Key findings

- Hybrid_EO morphotype showed the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.23) and inbreeding coefficient (Fis = 0.255).
- Genetic variation was 42.99% between morphotypes and 57.00% within morphotypes.
- SNPs in Hybrid_EO and Tiller morphotypes showed different alleles related to stress and environmental response genes.

## Abstract

The genomic knowledge of Euterpe edulis populations with morphological and genetic variations is relevant to species preservation, management, conservation, and improvement. This study aimed to identify genomic differences related to the morphological variants of Euterpe edulis in Espírito Santo (ES). We used 114 Euterpe edulis individuals, which represent different morphotypes, named: Santa Marta, Hybrid_EO (Vargem Alta); Euterpe espiritosantensis (Santa Teresa), Tiller (Guarapari); Possible hybrid (Fundão); characteristic of
E. edulis
(
E. edulis_RN,
E. edulis_MI,
E. edulis_GUA, and
E. edulis_ALE). The study also included 35 individuals from divergent genetic groups in natural populations from the southeast, north, south, and center‐west Brazil (Federal District). After filtering, 5319 SNPs were used in the genetic diversity and structure. Groups of SNPs differentiating morphotypes were identified and subjected to functional annotation analysis using as reference the
Elaeis guineensis
genome. Orthology and abundance analysis by Gene Ontology were made. Individuals of Hybrid_EO displayed the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.23). The other morphotypes displayed He between 0.107 (E. espiritosantensis) and 0.197 (
E. edulis_RN). The inbreeding coefficient (Fis) varied between 0.024 (
E. edulis_RN) and 0.255 (Hybrid_EO). Genetic variation was 42.99% between morphotypes and 57.00% within morphotypes. A k = 4 with individuals with slight admixture was identified. The morphotype E. espiritosantensis was more differentiated. The possible hybrid and progenitor morphotype grouped with
E. oleraceae
and
E. precatoria
species in the phylogenetic tree. Alignment of the 1627 SNPs in the Elaeis guinensis genome highlighted 767 aligned sequences in genic regions, of which 195 were in coding regions. The annotation of SNPs for the Hybrid_EO and Tiller morphotypes demonstrated different alleles for genes related to response to stress and environmental stimuli. The identification of common GOs indicates a common genetic background, while the presence of SNPs with differentiating genotypes suggests specific adaptations to different environmental conditions.

This study investigates genomic differences among distinct morphotypes of Euterpe edulis in Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil, using a dataset of 5319 high‐quality SNPs.