Characterization of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) genetic diversity in the department of Boyaca, Colombia

Abstract

Lulo ( Solanum quitoense Lam.) is an exotic fruit with major economic importance in the Andean region. It has gained importance in the agricultural sector due to organoleptic and cultivation characteristics. There are not studies on this plant genetic resource in the province of Neira, Boyaca department, Colombia. Given these concerns, the aim of this research was to characterize the genetic diversity with random amplified microsatellite markers (RAM). Twenty-one lulo materials were collected in the Soaquira and Sacaneca, Boyaca-Colombia districts to calculate genetic diversity and similarity indices. In addition, the analysis with the Nei-Li coefficient formed three groups at 0.60 similarity level showing a loose distribution of the materials without a relationship with the geographical site or the presence or absence of thorns. The seven RAM markers generated 346 alleles, ranging between 43 and 48 for CT and TG, respectively. The average estimated heterozygosity values ranged from 0.33 for TG and 0.40 for CGA. The average value for all evaluated lulo materials was 0.36, higher than the reported value in other studies on lulo genetic diversity in Colombia. The average Fst value for the 20 evaluated materials was 0.14, showing a moderate genetic differentiation. Overall, the RAM markers identified genetic variability in the study area, the need for levels of subdivision and hierarchization greater than those considered in this research, which would have allowed a better use of the plant genetic diversity present in the lulo materials in the province of Neira-Boyaca, Colombia.