Insights into opium poppy (Papaver spp.) genetic diversity from genotyping-by-sequencing analysis

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is one of the world's oldest medicinal plants and a versatile model system to study secondary metabolism. However, our knowledge of its genetic diversity is limited, restricting utilization of the available germplasm for research and crop improvement. We used genotyping-by-sequencing to investigate the extent of genetic diversity and population structure in a collection of poppy germplasm consisting of 91 accessions originating in 30 countries of Europe, North Africa, America, and Asia. We identified five genetically distinct subpopulations using discriminate analysis of principal components and STRUCTURE analysis. Most accessions obtained from the same country were grouped together within subpopulations, likely a consequence of the restriction on movement of poppy germplasm. Alkaloid profiles of accessions were highly diverse, with morphine being dominant. Phylogenetic analysis identified genetic groups that were largely consistent with the subpopulations detected and that could be differentiated broadly based on traits such as number of branches and seed weight. These accessions and the associated genotypic data are valuable resources for further genetic diversity analysis, which could include definition of poppy core sets to facilitate genebank management and use of the diversity for genetic improvement of this valuable crop.

Automated summary

Opium poppy is an ancient medicinal plant with limited knowledge of its genetic diversity. This study used genotyping-by-sequencing to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of a collection of poppy germplasm. The study identified five distinct subpopulations and found that accessions from the same country were grouped together within subpopulations. The study also identified diverse alkaloid profiles among the accessions. These results provide valuable resources for further genetic diversity analysis and genetic improvement of this important crop.