Using SSR markers to determine the population genetic structure of wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) in the Ily Valley of West China

Abstract

Genetic structure of three wild populations (Xinyuan, Gongliu and Daxigou) of apricot in the Ily Valley, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, was investigated with microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) markers. The higher polymorphism and greater transportability of these markers between Prunus species proved SSR markers were much efficient for conducting genetic diversity studies in wild apricot. Nei's gene diversity (He) and Shannon's index of diversity (I) were 0.287 and 0.458, respectively. This indicated that the wild apricot in the Ily Valley still maintained a relatively high level of diversity. The Gst of 0.137 and Fst of 0.164 revealed that genetic variation mainly resided among individuals within populations (83.6-86.3%). Population differentiation could also be found according to the distribution of SSR alleles between the populations. Mantel test showed the genetic distance between populations was significantly correlated to the geographical distance. The modest amount of gene flow (2.684) would reduce the disjunction between wild apricots. The long-distance dispersal of pollen by insects was probably the main way of gene flow between populations. Based on the study of population genetic structure, an effective conservation strategy of the species was discussed.

Genetic variability among local apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) from the Southeast of Spain

“…The results confirm that peach SSR markers can be used to identify the level of genetic variability in apricot, in according with the findings of other authors (Hormaza 2001(Hormaza , 2002Romero et al, 2003;Zhebentyayeva et al, 2003;Sánchez-Pérez et al, 2004Krichen et al, 2006;Tian-Ming et al, 2007). The level of polymorphism observed in apricot using SSR markers was higher than for other, previously-studied markers (Byrne and Littleton, 1989;Badenes et al, 1996Badenes et al, , 2000 …”

“…The cultivar 'Búlida' seems to be closer to the Valencia group, although in the present work it seems to be transitional between the two groups. There are other papers centred on the analysis of the genetic relationships of apricot cultivars Zhebentyayeva et al, 2003;Sánchez-Pérez et al, 2004Krichen et al, 2006;Tian-Ming et al, 2007) but, as they analyse very different sets of cultivars, it is not possible to get a global view of the situation. …”

“…However, most of these early types of molecular markers have been displaced by others, such as microsatellites (simple sequence repeat, SSR) -which are co-dominant and offer significant advantages in terms of reproducibility and simplicity (Morgante and Olivieri, 1993). There is already a considerable literature related to the use of microsatellites in the study of genetic relationships in apricot (Hormaza, 2001(Hormaza, , 2002Romero et al, 2003;Zhebentyayeva et al, 2003;Sánchez-Pérez et al, 2004;Krichen et al, 2006;Tian-Ming et al, 2007). However, most of the work has been done with apricot varieties of very diverse origin, and many local Spanish varieties have not been analysed yet.…”

Effect of selection on genetic variability in yellow passion fruit

“…Genetic diversity among accessions is due, among other factors, to the self-incompatibility system that favors cross-pollination and therefore the gene flow between the different genotypes (Ganga et al 2004). Studies on genetic diversity are essential for the conservation and management of genetic resources in breeding programs (Tian-Ming et al 2007) and in pre-breeding studies, to understand the parentage between genotypes, based on which crosses can obtain genetic gains in segregating generations (Viana et al 2003, Ganga et al 2004). …”

Genetic diversity and population structure of wild pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) in Poland

“…Therefore, characterization of natural species must include intra-and interpopulation genetic variability and the characteristics of dynamic relations, such as gene flow, balancing selection or mate limitation [1]. SSRs (simple sequence repeats or microsatellites) have been widely used in plant genetic research due to their high reproducibility, polymorphism, co-dominant character and abundance in plant genomes [2][3][4][5]. SSR markers have been isolated from European pear [6][7][8] as well as from Asian pear species [9,10].…”