Chloroplast haplotype diversity in eucalypt species with a

This thesis investigates chloroplast haplotype diversity in eucalypt species, with a primary focus on Eucalyptus grandis. Using chloroplast genome data, the study explores patterns of genetic variation, population structure, and evolutionary relationships across wild and breeding populations. A total of 362 Eucalyptus grandis individuals were analysed, comprising both natural populations and managed breeding material, with a subset subjected to whole-genome resequencing to enable high-resolution chloroplast haplotype identification.The research examines haplotype frequency, diversity, and geographic distribution to infer historical processes such as maternal lineage structure, gene flow, and phylogeographic patterns. Comparative analyses between wild and breeding populations provide insights into the effects of selection, population management, and breeding practices on chloroplast genetic diversity.By integrating population genetics, phylogenetic inference, and genome-based analyses, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of chloroplast inheritance and evolutionary dynamics in eucalypts. The findings have implications for forest genetics, conservation strategies, and sustainable tree breeding programmes.