Genetic variability in wild genotypes of Passiflora cincinnata based on RAPD markers

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The genetic diversity and characteristics of commercial interest of Passiflora species make it useful to characterize wild germplasm, because of their potential use for fruit, ornamental and medicinal purposes. We evaluated genetic diversity, using RAPD markers, of 32 genotypes of Passiflora cincinnata collected from the wild in the region of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Thirteen primers generated 95 polymorphic markers and only one monomorphic marker. The mean genetic distance between the genotypes estimated by the complement of the Dice index was 0.51 (ranging from 0.20-0.85), and genotype grouping based on the UPGMA algorithm showed wide variability among the genotypes. This type of information contributes to identification and conservation of the biodiversity of this species and for the identification of pairs of divergent individuals for maximum exploitation of existing variability.

Genetic Breeding and Diversity of the Genus Passiflora: Progress and Perspectives in Molecular and Genetic Studies

“…For some species, such as P. caerulea , P. cincinnata , P. coccinea , and P. setacea , interspecific hybrids are being developed and characterized [33,54,72] and estimates of genetic diversity and confirmation of the hybrids based on molecular markers are being carried out [54,62,63]. …”

“…The use of RAPD markers has also contributed to estimates of diversity in wild species of passion fruit, such as P. cincinnata , P. nitida , and P. setacea [62,63,81]. In these studies, large genetic variability was observed, with percentages of polymorphic loci ranging from 64% in P. nitida [81] to 93% in P. setacea [63].…”

“…For commercial species, such as P. edulis [80], as well as wild species, such as P. setacea [63] and P. cincinnata [62], preferred crossings were suggested after the characterization of RAPD markers to generate progenies with greater or lower potential for segregating characteristics. The identification of genetically divergent accessions between yellow and purple passion fruit that has been achieved based on molecular markers [8,58] can also be used to target crosses that aim to broaden the genetic base of breeding programs for P. edulis .…”

“…Approximately 90% of the area designated for passion fruit culture is cultivated with P. edulis , and P. alata is the second most cultivated species of the genus [54,61]. Although they represent a small proportion of national production, the cultivation and consumption of fruits from wild species, such as Passiflora cincinnata , Passiflora nitida , P. quadrangularis , and P. setacea , have been reported in the literature [31,57,61,62,63]. …”

Characterization and selection of passion fruit (yellow and purple) accessions based on molecular markers and disease reactions for use in breeding programs

“…The use of molecular markers is fundamentally important for enhancing the amount of information generated and for reducing the time required to obtain results (Ferreira and Rangel 2011). In this context, we note a considerable increase in research devoted to obtaining estimates of genetic variability using molecular markers in both commercial (Ortiz et al 2012;Costa et al 2012;Cerqueira-Silva et al 2010a;Bellon et al 2007;Viana et al 2003) and wild passion fruit species (Cerqueira-silva et al 2010b(Cerqueira-silva et al , c, 2012aJunqueira et al 2007). These studies have identified low variability among commercial accessions of P. edulis and generally wide variability among wild accessions of passion fruit, reinforcing the potential for the use of these materials as a resource in breeding programs.…”