Improved crossing technique and identification of true F1 hybrids of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. by molecular markers

Breeding in Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. through hybridization is limited by its small sized flowers, cross-incompatibility, low fruit-set and poor retention. In the present study, emasculation of flowers 2 h before anthesis and pollination by placement of dehisced flowers on stigma in inverted position resulted in increased fruit-set. Crossing of Z. mauritiana cultivars Gola and Thar Sevika (early maturity and fruit quality) with cultivars BS-1 (powdery mildew resistant) and Tikadi (fruit fly and frost tolerant) showed that Thar Sevika is cross compatible with BS-1 and Tikadi whereas Gola is cross compatible with BS-1 only. Among the crosses fruit-set range was 2.31–10.92%. Based on the presence of male parent-specific DNA fragment produced by RAPD and ISSR markers 13 out of 14 F1 progeny seedlings were found to be true hybrids. This is the first report in Z. mauritiana on the identification of true hybrids among F1 progenies using molecular markers.

► Improved crossing technique for Ziziphus mauritiana developed.
► Fruit set between crosses of Z. mauritiana cultivars were up to 10.92%.
► Identification of true F1 hybrids in Z. mauritiana using molecular markers demonstrated.