Characterising the genetic diversity of Lithuanian sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars using SSR markers

The polymorphisms and characteristics of microsatellite (SSR) loci from 31 sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cultivars were analysed. The cultivars were genotyped with 14 DNA primer pairs using a multiplex approach. A total of 20 unique alleles were identified in the Lithuanian cultivars that were absent in the cultivars of foreign origin. The analysis revealed that the expected and observed heterozygosities were higher in the cultivars of Lithuanian origin as compared with those that were introduced. Approximately 2–11 alleles (5.29 on average) with a mean heterozygosity value of 0.68 were established for microsatellite loci from the Lithuanian cultivars.Four distinct genetic groups of cultivars were defined using cluster analysis. One cluster consisted of Lithuanian landraces, Russian cultivars and their hybrids. The earliest (first generation) Lithuanian cultivars, derived from Lithuanian landraces and Russian cultivars also fitted this cluster. Another cluster consisted of the second generation of cultivars of Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Belarusian origin. The most recent cultivars of Lithuanian origin and the cultivars from Canada and Western Europe were grouped into a different cluster. Fourth cluster consisted of three cultivars: Belobokaya rannaya; its progeny, Meda; and Irema BS of unknown origin.Characterising the genetic backgrounds of the cultivars revealed the unique features of the sweet cherry grown in the region.

► Microsatellite loci of sweet cherry cultivars Lithuanian origin were analysed.
► The cultivars were genotyped using 14 SSR markers.
► Unique alleles were identified.
► Genetic characterisation revealed unique features of sweet cherry grown in the region.