Molecular markers for kernel bitterness in almond

Abstract

Upon crushing, amygdalin present

Cyanogenic D-amygdalin contents of the kernels of cultivated almonds and wildAmygdalus webbiiSpach.

“…Sometimes, normally sweet cultivars that are heterozygous for this trait may be slightly bitter, possibly due to an alteration in the single dominant/recessive gene system (Dicenta et al, 2002). Some authors have also suggested that the genetic control of bitterness/sweetness in almond is more complex than originally proposed (Dicenta et al, 2007) and that the gene(s) determining bitterness remain to be identified (Sanchez-Perez et al, 2010).…”

Efficient salt‐aided aqueous extraction of bitter almond oil

“…The kernel of bitter almond contains a colorless and crystalline glucoside known as amygdalin . In addition, it also contains an enzyme that may release hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and benzaldehyde upon chewing or crushing of the kernel . HCN is widely recognized as a lethal compound .…”

“…Bitter almond (Prunus dulcis var. Amara ) is one of the main varieties of almond and its oil is rich in monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with oleic and linoleic acid as the major constituents, and contains naturally occurring vitamins such as A, B 1 , B 2 , B 6 , and E. 1,2 Almond oil provides useful nutrients to consumers. 3,4 The kernel of bitter almond contains a colorless and crystalline glucoside known as amygdalin.…”

“…5 In addition, it also contains an enzyme that may release hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and benzaldehyde upon chewing or crushing of the kernel. 6,7 HCN is widely recognized as a lethal compound. 8,9 The reported lethal dose of HCN is 1 mg kg −1 (by body weight) and many countries have strict limits on HCN levels allowed in food and water.…”

Review of genetic diversity studies in almond (Prunus dulcis)

“…The Sk gene was mapped to linkage group 5 (G5), but none of the known candidate genes were found on G5. Therefore, Sánchez-Pérez et al (2010) saturated G5 with SSR primers, four of which were closely linked to the Sk locus and proved suitable for early, efficient selection against bitter kernel in a breeding programme after estimating the haplotypes of the parents and the identification of appropriate marker alleles.…”