European Journal of Horticultural Science

Eur.J.Hortic.Sci. 83 (1) 18-27 | DOI: 10.17660/eJHS.2018/83.1.3
ISSN 1611-4426 print and 1611-4434 online | © ISHS 2018 | European Journal of Horticultural Science | Original article

Genetic diversity analysis of apricot cultivars grown in China based on SSR markers

Ming Li¹, Pinguang Zheng², Biyong Ni², Xia Hu¹, Xingjun Miao³ and Zhong Zhao³
¹ Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
² Fuzhou Botanical Garden, Fuzhou, China
³ Key Laboratory of Environment and Ecology in Western China of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China

SUMMARY
The simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity and relationships of 76 accessions of the main cultivated apricot cultivars in China. The 10 SSR markers revealed that the observed number of alleles (n_a) per locus was 4.6, the number of effective alleles (n_e) was 3.46, and a higher value of genetic diversity parameters (He=0.65, I=1.26) was maintained at the species level. The genetic diversity in the Chinese group and Central Asian group was high, whereas the genetic diversity in the European group was possible low. UPGMA dendrogram and genetic structure analysis determined seven major clusters and grouped the cultivars in agreement with their geographic and species origins. The European group showed a very close genetic relationship with the North American subgroup and a distant genetic relationship with the Chinese and Central groups. The Irano-Caucasian group had a close genetic relationship with the apricot germplasms originated in Xinjiang, China. Additionally, the Chinese group and Central Asian group shared a few of similar genetic structure. The kernel-using apricot had a close genetic relationship with Prunus sibirica and was most likely an interspecific hybrid of P. sibirica and Prunus armeniaca.
Keywords apricot, genetic diversity, genetic relationship, genetic structure, polymorphic, Prunus armeniaca
Significance of this study
What is already known on this subject?

The existing gene pool of the cultivated apricot in China is rich, but some local cultivars are facing serious genetic erosion, which means that accurate description and identification of apricot cultivars is necessary for the protection and utilization.
What are the new findings?

The 10 SSR markers revealed that apricot cultivars grown in China maintained a relatively high level of genetic diversity (He=0.65, I=1.26). The genetic diversity in the Chinese group and the Central Asian group was high, whereas the genetic diversity in the European group was possible low. UPGMA dendrogram and genetic structure analysis determined seven major clusters and grouped the cultivars in agreement with their geographic and species origins.
What is the expected impact on horticulture?

We expected to provide a reference for the major traits, genetic diversity, and genetic relationships of cultivated apricot varieties in China, and enhance the protection and utilization of resources and breeding.

E-mail: lake-autumn@163.com

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Received: 31 January 2017 | Accepted: 4 July 2017 | Published: 22 February 2018 | Available online: 22 February 2018