Phylogenetic and genomic relationships in the genus Malus based on RAPDs

Abstract

Two separate experiments were carried out between local and exotic apple among the locally available varieties. Ten varieties of local apple (

Malus spp.) were selected from South west Nigeria. The choice of the samples was based on observed morphological differences such as size of fruits, fruits color, flower color, leaf shape and plant height while the choice of imported exotic type was based solely on the color of the fruit. Total genomic DNA was isolated from local and exotic apples separately and assessed with RAPD markers. Nine primers generated a total of forty-six polymorphic bands, which were used to generate a UPGMA dendrogram. The dendrogram consists of a single cluster from 0 – 65% similarity coefficient. At 71%, two clusters were discerned with sample 6 and 7 having separated from the clusters. However, two samples 3 and 4 tied at 87% showing the possibility of very close relationships. Two local apples (green and red color) and one exotic apple (green color) were analyzed with 132 bands from 16 polymorphic primers. The dendrogram generated showed a closer relationships between green exotic and green local varieties of apple.