MOROCCAN FIG GENETIC STRUCTURE SUGGESTING A LOCAL SELECTION

To test the hypothesis of local fig selection in Morocco, we studied the genetic structure of germplasm originating from the main eco-geographical areas of fig cultivation.
Based on 14 SSR loci, we revealed strong local genetic diversity (276 figs classified into 186 genotypes for which only seven are present in more than one zone). This local diversity was structured into three distinct genetic groups (global Fst = 0.04). The first one included the north (Tétouan, Stihat, Mokrissat, Oued Laou, Chefchaouen, Targuist, Taounate), the North centre (Sefrou, Boulmane, Sekkoura) and part of the centre area (Bni Melal). It presented nine specific alleles.
The second group corresponded to the Moulouya valley and the second part of the centre area and the third one corresponded to the south area.
The second and third groups presented 8 and 6 specific alleles respectively.
Compared to the north group, we evidenced a diversified genetic basis in the south group despite of the limited sample size.
Fst values ranged from 0.048 to 0.084 among the south populations, while it was less than 0.016 among the north populations.
These results suggest local selection of Moroccan fig germplasm.

XII EUCARPIA Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics

H. Achtak, M. Ater, A. Oukabli, S. Santoni, F. Kjellberg, B. Khadari

Ficus carica L., fig germplasm, genetic structure, molecular characterization, SSR loci

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.814.6