What is it about?
In this study, eight different pomegranate cultivars were characterized based on their morphological and molecular characters in sub-tropical regions between 2018 and 2019. Morphological experiments were conducted in a randomized block design replicated thrice for each cultivar, whereas RAPD markers were employed for molecular studies for a quick screening of germplasm in further crop improvement programs.
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Why is it important?
Identification of different pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes using morphological descriptors and further substantiation through molecular means is essential for a breeding program. Characterization using molecular markers has an advantage over its morphological counterpart due to its low expense, quick and reliable results, and the requirement of less sophisticated equipment.
Perspectives
Principal component analysis revealed significant morphological variation (79.61%) among the cultivars. A high level of polymorphism, similar to PCA, was observed with RAPD analysis (80.49%). Some discrepancies between morphological and molecular results were noted in UPGMA cluster analysis. However, eight primers (total = 41) distinctively separated the Bhagwa variety from others, with the maximum similarity coefficient value (ca. 0.54) and superior fruit quality distinguished in PCA analysis with the maximum mean Euclidean distance (ca. 16). Hence, RAPD markers could be used along with morphological markers
Dr Rahul Sharma
Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Morphological and molecular diversity analysis vis-a-vis phylogenetic correlation among pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties, Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, May 2024, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/22238980-bja10092.
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