Molecular based assessment of genetic diversity within Barbary fig (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) in Tunisia

In this work, we report for the first time on the analysis of genetic diversity within a set of 36 Tunisian Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. ecotypes using RAPD markers.Random decamer primers were screened to assess their ability to detect polymorphisms in this plant crop. Thirty-nine RAPD markers were revealed and used to survey the genetic diversity at the DNA level and to establish relationships.Consequently, considerable genetic diversity was detected and the UPGMA analysis permitted the discrimination of all the genotypes and enabled their sorting into thirteen groups. The accession ‘R Sbiba inerme’ was significantly divergent from all tested genotypes. In addition, as shown by the clustering the tested genotypes did not significantly diverge, though originating from different localities.Since RAPD markers proved to be useful for germplasm discrimination as well as for discovery of patterns of variation in Barbary fig, the opportunity of this study was discussed in relation to the setting up of rational decisions concerning the management of a national reference collection that ought to allow the preservation of all studied genotypes.