GENETIC DIVERSITY IN TUNISIAN FIG GERMPLASM ASSESSED WITH MOLECULAR MARKERS: IMPLICATION FOR ITS CONSERVATION

Fig (Ficus carica L.), an endemic fruit species of the Mediterranean basin is widespread in Tunisian plantations.
As a part of our work, we become interested by the development of molecular tools to molecularly characterize the local germplasm in order to improve a rational management strategy.
Here, we report the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) as reliable methods to examine the genetic diversity in this crop.
Starting from fig accessions conserved in three collections, data proved that Tunisian fig germplasm is characterized by a large genetic diversity.
The efficiency of the designed methods to provide markers suitable in the local varieties’ identification is discussed taking into account practical issues to resolve synonymy and homonymy problems.
In addition, opportunities of this study are also discussed in relation with the establishment of a national fig collection and to enhance selective and breeding programs in this important fruit crop.

III International Symposium on Fig

A. Salhi-Hannachi, K. Chatti, O. Saddoud, M. Marrakchi, M. Trifi, M. Mars, A. Rhouma

Ficus carica L., conservation ex situ, RAPD, ISSR

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.798.26