Abstract
Sixteen SSR markers were used to identify genetic relationships of 43 coconut accessions conserved ex-situ in field gene banks of the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka (CRISL). The 16 SSR markers clearly unveiled the genetic relationships of Sri Lankan coconut populations. Gene diversity and polymorphism information content (PIC) were relatively higher in the common 'tall' coconut and Pacific tall coconut than in autogamous dwarf form of coconut. The SSR assessment unveiled the genetic lineages based on evolutionary mechanisms signifying the narrow genetic base of coconut germplasm, with most of the diversity confining to 'tall' coconut. The main genetically different coconut groups identified were 'tall', 'San Ramon and alike' and 'dwarf'. These have already been utilised in coconut improvement programmes and the study emphasizes the need for enrichment of the gene pool by exotic introductions. The overall results also supports the hypothesis that coconut disseminated from it's center/s of origin in far east to Indo Atlantic regions via America.
Highlights
Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) plays a significant role in the daily life of people over 80 countries in the tropics
The 16 SSR markers clearly unveiled the genetic relationships of Sri Lankan coconut populations
Potential of the coconut palm for alleviating poverty in rural coconut growing communities was aptly demonstrated in the Asian Development Bank (ADB)/ International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)/
Summary
Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) plays a significant role in the daily life of people over 80 countries in the tropics. Coconut plays a more prominent role in the the social, economic and cultural life of the people in Sri Lanka than in any other country. It provides livelihood directly and indirectly for many thousands of people in the three sectors: production, processing and marketing. Coconut occupies 25% of the cultivable land, second only to rice, the staple food in Sri Lanka. It is the major source of edible oils and fats providing 22% of the daily caloric requirement of an average adult[3]
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