Microsatellites assisted rapid identification of mandarin hybrids and assessment of their phenotypic variability

Abstract

Kinnow (Citrus nobilis × C. deliciosa) is a commercially important mandarin but contains large number of seeds. Mukaku Kishu (C. kinokuni), a seedless mandarin can be used to transfer seedlessness in Kinnow through hybridization. But, the polyembryony in Kinnow and absence of any heritable morphological trait in Mukaku Kishu are limiting factors in early identification of hybrids. SSR markers due to their high polymorphism and co-dominant nature are useful for hybrid identification. We performed hybridization between Kinnow (♀) and Mukaku Kishu (♂) and differentiated hybrids using SSR markers. A total of 134 SSR markers were tested for polymorphism between the parents; 20 were found polymorphic while four (CMS04, Ci06A05b, CiBE1500 and TAA15) were suitable for hybrid detection. The hybrid detection ability varied among the markers. The marker CMS04 identified 67 hybrids while the remaining three markers independently identified 104 hybrids from the total analysed 697 seedlings. The hybrid seedlings differed for height and number of spines per plant. The two traits also showed moderate positive association (Pearson correlation = 0.69). The study demonstrated the practical utility of SSR markers in enhancing the efficiency of breeding programmes in absence of distinct morphological distinguishers for hybrid detection. The identified hybrids progeny will serve as a foundation for identification of potentially seedless candidates.

The influence of parents’ educational background on parent-child relationship

“…A study pointed out that the higher the educational level of parents, the higher the educational expectations of parents for their children's academic performance, and that more educated parents are more inclined to use a variety of engagement strategies at home and at school to foster their children's academic performance [10]. In addition, according to Kaur and Kaur, children whose parents are highly educated have higher motivation to achieve, are able to develop good study habits and have lower self-esteem [11].Therefore, it can be believed that parents with higher education know more about scientific parenting methods, teach their children according to their aptitude, and also create a more harmonious family atmosphere to make their children better. The age range of the study subjects selected by the researchers was 16-19 years, which is because 16-19 years is the late adolescence.…”