Articles
Elche and Bari pomegranate collections: conserving local cultivars and international germplasm for future challenges
Article number
1464_38
Pages
277 – 282
Language
English
Abstract
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest domesticated fruit species, resulting in a wide range of local cultivars worldwide.
Spain and Italy are the leading producers and exporters in the European Mediterranean region, but developing new, well-adapted cultivars is essential to maintain competitiveness.
Germplasm banks are key to conserving and improving this species, with the collections in Elche (Spain) and Bari (Italy) representing strategic resources for the characterization and use of pomegranate diversity in Europe.
To maximize their value, comprehensive studies of the genetic diversity within these collections are required.
In this study, the genetic diversity of both collections was evaluated using 16 microsatellite markers and pomological data, providing an integrated overview of their genetic resources.
Genetic redundancy between the two collections was assessed to improve collection management efficiency and to identify genotypes with high potential for breeding programs.
A total of 184 accessions, 94 from the Elche collection and 90 from Bari, were analysed.
The number of alleles per marker ranged from 3 to 13, with an average of 5.75 alleles per locus.
Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.179 (PGCT022) to 0.654 (PGCT111), indicating substantial genetic variability across both collections.
Phenotypic differences were also noted, especially in harvest time and fruit quality traits such as aril and peel colour, seed hardness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids.
Both collections exhibited high genetic and phenotypic diversity, confirming their potential for pomegranate conservation and breeding.
The occurrence of genetically identical accessions displaying phenotypic differences highlights the importance of integrating molecular and morphological data.
Overall, this study enhances knowledge of European pomegranate diversity and supports future breeding efforts through improved germplasm management and selection.
Spain and Italy are the leading producers and exporters in the European Mediterranean region, but developing new, well-adapted cultivars is essential to maintain competitiveness.
Germplasm banks are key to conserving and improving this species, with the collections in Elche (Spain) and Bari (Italy) representing strategic resources for the characterization and use of pomegranate diversity in Europe.
To maximize their value, comprehensive studies of the genetic diversity within these collections are required.
In this study, the genetic diversity of both collections was evaluated using 16 microsatellite markers and pomological data, providing an integrated overview of their genetic resources.
Genetic redundancy between the two collections was assessed to improve collection management efficiency and to identify genotypes with high potential for breeding programs.
A total of 184 accessions, 94 from the Elche collection and 90 from Bari, were analysed.
The number of alleles per marker ranged from 3 to 13, with an average of 5.75 alleles per locus.
Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.179 (PGCT022) to 0.654 (PGCT111), indicating substantial genetic variability across both collections.
Phenotypic differences were also noted, especially in harvest time and fruit quality traits such as aril and peel colour, seed hardness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids.
Both collections exhibited high genetic and phenotypic diversity, confirming their potential for pomegranate conservation and breeding.
The occurrence of genetically identical accessions displaying phenotypic differences highlights the importance of integrating molecular and morphological data.
Overall, this study enhances knowledge of European pomegranate diversity and supports future breeding efforts through improved germplasm management and selection.
Authors
A. Lozano, A. Gadaleta, I. Marcotuli, G. Ferrara, E. Zuriaga, J. Bartual
Keywords
microsatellites, genetic diversity, pomological data, seed hardness
Online Articles (49)