Ecological distribution and genetic diversity of Azolla in Uganda
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Date
2023-03-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC
Abstract
Abstract
Background Azolla is an important aquatic fern whose agronomic potential has not been fully exploited in Uganda.
This study aimed at determining the genetic variation in the Azolla species existing in Uganda and the factors influencing their distribution in the different agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Molecular characterization was preferred in
this study because of its efficiency in detecting variations among closely related species.
Results Four species of Azolla were identified in Uganda with 100, 93.36, 99.22 and 99.39% sequence identities to the
reference database sequences of; Azolla mexicana, Azolla microphylla, Azolla fliculoides and Azolla cristata, respectively.
These different species were distributed in four out of the ten agro-ecological zones of Uganda which are situated in
close vicinity to large water masses. The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that maximum rainfall
and altitude significantly accounted for the variations in the distribution of Azolla with factor loadings of 0.921 and
0.922, respectively.
Conclusion Massive destruction coupled with prolonged disturbance of Azolla’s habitat negatively affected its
growth, survival and distribution in the country. Therefore, there is a need to develop standard methods that can
preserve the various species of Azolla, so as to salvage them for future use, research and reference.
Keywords Agro-ecological zones, Azolla species, Genetic diversity, Ecological distribution, Wetlands
Description
Keywords
Agro-ecological zones, Azolla species, Genetic diversity, Ecological distribution, Wetlands
Citation
Lydia, Nabyonga, Twaha A. Basamba, Clement Nyakoojo, et al. 'Ecological Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Azolla in Uganda', BMC Plant Biology, vol. 23/no. 1, (2023), pp. 131-131.