Abstract
Myrtus communis L., is a wild shrub widespread throughout the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, grown for its ornamental value and aromatic properties. Evaluation of genetic diversity existing within wild myrtle populations represents a starting point for the development of breeding programs or selection of genotypes with useful traits for cultivar improvement. AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) markers were used to determine the genetic relationships among myrtle wild genotypes collected from six different regions in Italy. Fifty-one individuals were analysed with three selected combination of primers. Polymorphic bands were scored and used for the analysis of genetic distances in order to evaluate the genetic variability in the collected germplasm. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that variability within populations represented the greatest source of variation. This result was confirmed by UPGMA cluster analysis, which did not resolve a clear grouping of most genotypes by their region of origin or specific population. Nevertheless, genotypes coming from Apulia and part of Sicily were resolved clearly in a specific sub-cluster. Such individuals are characterized by a particular branch and leaf morphology.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
