Morphological and molecular genetic diversity analysis using SSR markers in Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) genotypes for pulp colour

Abstract

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) being an important dryland horticultural tree, grows well with minimum care and maintenance. The study aimed at identifying the genetic diversity present in twenty jackfruit genotypes for different pulp colours. The genotypes were identified for commercial cultivation, based on fruit and flake quality characters viz., fruit weight, fruit rind weight per kg fruit, number of flakes per kg fruit, weight of flakes per kg fruit, individual fresh flake weight and TSS as per the Jackfruit descriptors given by IPGRI, Rome. The best genotypes identified from the study were Swarna, Lalbagh Madhura, Byrachandra, NSP, Ashoka Yellow and NEL and these can be used for commercial purpose. Molecular diversity analysis was also carried out using 22 SSR primers, out of which six primers (SSR 9, SSR 10, SSR 30, SSR 34, SSR 45 and SSR 48) showed polymorphism among twenty genotypes. The genetic similarity co-efficient ranged from 0 to 0.96, indicating a vast variation in genetic diversity for pulp colour. A dendrogram was constructed by UPGMA analysis revealed three major clusters. The genotypes with cream and yellow colour pulp grouped in cluster I and II, followed by yellow, orange and red in cluster III. These markers effectively segregated the genotypes based on different pulp colours and hence, can be used for both diversity analysis and in breeding applications.