Isozyme Variability in Wild and Cultivated Carica papaya

Abstract

Populations of wild Carica papaya, previously designated as Carica peltata, were sampled from its native range on the Caribbean coast of Central America (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras) and cultivated Carica papaya from both Central and South America were examined for isozyme variability. Thirteen loci from nine enzyme systems (Pgm, Pgi, Idh, Mdh, 6Pgd, Ugpp, Skdh, Aco, Tpi) were scored for all populations. Ten loci were polymorphic and a total of 31 alleles were detected. Isozyme genotypes as determined through segregation analysis were used in the genetic interpretation for eight loci and 18 alleles while six additional loci and 13 alleles were postulated on the basis of phenotypic variation found throughout the species. Nei's genetic identity, I, for both cultivated and wild Carica papaya was >0.9, which is consistent with conspecific populations. Wild papaya populations from different geographic areas appear more related to one another than to domesticates in the same geographic region.