Genetic diversity and population structure of Colombian sweet potato genotypes reveal possible adaptations to specific environmental conditions.

Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a widely cultivated and consumed crop. It is valued for its storage roots, which serve as an important source of energy and essential nutrients. However, in Colombia, sweet potato remains underutilized, with limited cultivation and consumption. Native and alternative crops are central to government strategies that link biodiversity to food security and sovereignty. This study evaluates the diversity and genetic structure of 438 genotypes from the Colombian Sweet Potato Collection (CSPC), using both morphological and molecular data, and proposes a core collection to support conservation strategies. Additionally, a genetic comparison with the USDA collection was conducted to contextualize the diversity of the CSPC within a global framework. Substantial diversity was observed among Colombian sweet potato genotypes. Four distinct phenotypic groups were identified based on their origin in the Andean and Caribbean regions, exhibiting variations in their ability to develop storage roots and floral structures under the conditions of the evaluation site. Molecular analyses revealed over 37,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants, allowing the identification of six genetic groups associated with geographic origin (Andean and Caribbean regions), altitude, levels of genetic diversity, and cultivation status (landraces, breeding lines, or wilds). A core collection of 100 genotypes was proposed to represent the genetic diversity of the CSPC, incorporating both morphological and molecular data. Finally, the CSPC was compared with the USDA collection, revealing clear genetic differentiation between the two collections and higher levels of genetic diversity in the CSPC. These findings highlight the broad genetic diversity of sweet potato in Colombia, with its genetic structure strongly influenced by local environmental conditions. They also confirm that Colombia is an important center of diversity for this crop. These insights are essential for advancing research, strengthening conservation efforts, and optimizing the use of sweet potato genetic resources in the country. Core Ideas: Genetic analysis of 438 Colombian sweet potato genotypes revealed a population structure associated with geographic origin.The population structure differentiated Andean and Caribbean sweet potato genotypes, with subpopulations defined by altitude, germplasm status, and levels of genetic diversity.Colombia could be part of the primary genetic diversity center for Ipomoea batatas. Plain Language Summary: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), valued for its nutritious roots, is underutilized in Colombia, and primarily grown in food‐insecure areas like the Colombian Caribbean. This study analyzed 438 genotypes from the Colombian Sweet Potato Collection (CSPC) to assess its diversity and genetic structure. Using morphological traits and genotyping by sequencing, four and six genetic groups were identified, linked to Colombia's Andean and Caribbean regions, with variations in root and flower traits by geography, altitude, and cultivation practices (landrace, improved, or wild types). A core set of 100 genotypes was created to represent CSPC's diversity. Comparisons to the USDA collection show greater genetic diversity in the CSPC. These findings highlight Colombia's unique sweet potato diversity, closely tied to environmental conditions, and position the country as a potential genetic diversity center, important for research, conservation, and sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]