LIME DIVERSITY: GENETIC PROFILING OF TUNISIAN VARIETIES THROUGH POMOLOGICAL TRAITS
Understanding the genetic diversity and relationships among lime varieties is essential for effective breeding programs, conservation efforts, and agricultural management. This study aims to characterize Tunisian lime genotypes using pomological traits and molecular markers. Pomological traits including fruit size, shape, color, and texture were assessed across a diverse collection of lime genotypes. Additionally, molecular markers such as SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats) and SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers were employed to analyze the genetic relatedness and population structure of the lime varieties. The integration of pomological and molecular data provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup and phenotypic variability of Tunisian lime varieties, facilitating their classification, conservation, and utilization in breeding programs.