Assessment of the Morphometric Variation of Fruits and Phylogenetics of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Woodenbegar) and Elaeocarpus serratus (Ceylon Olive)

Abstract

Purpose : Elaeocarpus ganitrus and E. serratus are two significant tropical fruit tree species. E. ganitrus is also important for its endocarps that are popularly known as Rudraksha. However, these are underutilized species in Sri Lanka. Therefore, present study was conducted to assess the morphometric diversity of fruits and endocarps and the phylogenetic relationships of two species using DNA barcoding markers. Research Method : The ripe fruits were collected from a set of trees of two species in Matale and Kandy districts. The fruit and endocarp size parameters were measured in two seasons and subjected to statistical analysis. The trnH-psbA and trnL-trnF sequences were obtained from the selected trees and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Findings : The fruit size traits were predominantly affected by the intraspecific variation than the environment. The length and diameter of the endocarps were seasonal independent and tree specific. Except colour, people preferred E. serratus fruits than E. ganitrus fruits. The markers, trnH-psbA and trnL-trnF unravelled the species delimits of E. ganitrus and E. serratus. The trnL-trnF based phylogeny positioned the trees of E. ganitrus in the respective clade. E. serratus trees were cladded with E. stipularis, E. tectorius, E. dongnaiensis and E. glaber. Research Limitations: A limited sequence pop-set for Elaeocarpus spp. is available in literature for comparison. The meta-scale attempts are needed to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of Elaeocarpus germplasm. Originality / Value : The revealed morphological and phylogenetic relationships of E. ganitrus and E. serratus lay the platform for germplasm conservation and crop improvement programs in Sri Lanka.