Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa

Litchi represents an economically important crop in South Africa – however, the local industry is based on only five cultivars. In order to expand the gene pool and to extend the harvest season, new cultivars have been imported. Currently, cultivars are identified based on morphological characterist...

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Main Authors: Elliosha Hajari, Dzunisani Nonyane, Regina Cronje
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Academy of Science of South Africa 2020-07-01
Series:South African Journal of Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.sajs.co.za/article/view/7461
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author Elliosha Hajari
Dzunisani Nonyane
Regina Cronje
author_facet Elliosha Hajari
Dzunisani Nonyane
Regina Cronje
author_sort Elliosha Hajari
collection DOAJ
description Litchi represents an economically important crop in South Africa – however, the local industry is based on only five cultivars. In order to expand the gene pool and to extend the harvest season, new cultivars have been imported. Currently, cultivars are identified based on morphological characteristics, but these are not always reliable. Molecular markers provide a tool to supplement morphological characterisation, particularly in cases in which confusion exists. The present study reports on the application of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers in litchi for assessment of genetic relationships and molecular characterisation. The results provide evidence for separation of cultivars based on maturation period and fruit characteristics. The SRAP markers provide a tool for molecular characterisation that can be readily used by researchers with limited budgets, which is common in many developing countries. Significance: • We report on the application of SRAP markers as a tool for litchi breeders in resource constrained countries. • The tested molecular markers allowed for genotyping (molecular characterisation) of litchi cultivars and selections. • The markers also revealed relationships between genetic and morphological (phenotypic) characteristics.
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spelling doaj.art-6de854de84074055b01da72ca4196e002022-12-22T03:27:22ZengAcademy of Science of South AfricaSouth African Journal of Science1996-74892020-07-011167/810.17159/sajs.2020/7461Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in AfricaElliosha Hajari0Dzunisani Nonyane1Regina Cronje2Agricultural Research Council – Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit, South AfricaAgricultural Research Council – Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit, South AfricaAgricultural Research Council – Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit, South AfricaLitchi represents an economically important crop in South Africa – however, the local industry is based on only five cultivars. In order to expand the gene pool and to extend the harvest season, new cultivars have been imported. Currently, cultivars are identified based on morphological characteristics, but these are not always reliable. Molecular markers provide a tool to supplement morphological characterisation, particularly in cases in which confusion exists. The present study reports on the application of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers in litchi for assessment of genetic relationships and molecular characterisation. The results provide evidence for separation of cultivars based on maturation period and fruit characteristics. The SRAP markers provide a tool for molecular characterisation that can be readily used by researchers with limited budgets, which is common in many developing countries. Significance: • We report on the application of SRAP markers as a tool for litchi breeders in resource constrained countries. • The tested molecular markers allowed for genotyping (molecular characterisation) of litchi cultivars and selections. • The markers also revealed relationships between genetic and morphological (phenotypic) characteristics.https://www.sajs.co.za/article/view/7461SRAP markersLitchi chinensisgenetic diversitymolecular characterisationplant breeding
spellingShingle Elliosha Hajari
Dzunisani Nonyane
Regina Cronje
Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
South African Journal of Science
SRAP markers
Litchi chinensis
genetic diversity
molecular characterisation
plant breeding
title Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
title_full Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
title_fullStr Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
title_full_unstemmed Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
title_short Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers – a tool for litchi breeders in Africa
title_sort sequence related amplified polymorphism markers a tool for litchi breeders in africa
topic SRAP markers
Litchi chinensis
genetic diversity
molecular characterisation
plant breeding
url https://www.sajs.co.za/article/view/7461
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