Genetic diversity and population structure of mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb L.) and sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) using SRAP markers

Genetic diversity of 47 Mahaleb cherry genotypes (Prunus mahaleb L.) and six sweet cherry accessions (Prunus avium L.) was studied using 13 SRAP primer combinations. The number of polymorphic fragments detected per primer combination ranged from 1 to 10 bands with an average 4.23 bands. Average PIC was 0.42 over all primer combinations. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method and Dice’s coefficient grouped the species into two main clusters with similarity coefficient ranging from 0.16 to 0.93. Sum of first three PCAs could be represented most of (65.64%) the total variation in the original dimensions and confirmed the results of cluster analysis. Based on AMOVA results, the allele numbers among groups and species studied in this research were more than those observed within them. This is the first report of using SRAP marker as a tool for determining genetic variation among and within P. mahaleb and P. avium.

► We used SRAP markers for genetic diversity of Prunus mahaleb and P. avium genotypes.
► The dendrogram grouped the genotypes according to their species.
► There were significant genetic differences among species based on AMOVA results.