Genetic relationships within avocado (Persea americana Mill) cultivars and between Persea species

S. Mhameed, D. Sharon, D. Kaufman, E. Lahav, J. Hillel, C. Degani, U. Lavi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

The origin of avocado (Persea americana Mill) cultivars, as well as the genetic relationships between Persea species, are not well defined and are based mainly on morphological parameters. Minisatellite DNA markers were used to analyze 24 P. americana cultivars in an attempt to define their racial allocation. DNA mixes representing the three races were evaluated and used for analysis. The allocation of 19 of the above cultivars was substantiated by the DNA markers, while new suggestions were offered regarding the remaining five. Eight cultivars, of unknown racial origin, were also examined, and a phylogenetic tree suggesting their origin is offered. Selling progeny of five cultivars were analyzed for six morphological traits which differentiate the three races, and were compared to their parents in order to assess their origin. Eleven Persea species were analyzed, using DNA finger print patterns and SSR (simple sequence repeat) alleles, in order to identify the genetic relationships among the Persea species, and between them and the three P. americana races. The phylogenetic tree obtained is presented. The high value of variation between the avocado cultivars and Persea species observed in this work, suggests that the validity of race and species definition within Persea be treated with caution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)279-286
Number of pages8
JournalTheoretical And Applied Genetics
Volume94
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1997

Keywords

  • Avocado
  • DNA fingerprints
  • Microsatellite
  • Minisatellite
  • Phylogenetic tree

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