Genetic Diversity, Genotype Discrimination, and Population Structure of Mexican Opuntia sp., Determined by SSR Markers

摘要: The Opuntia (prickly pear) genus, an important horticultural crop in Mexico, is essentially a fruit with two variants: sweet (“tunas”) or acid (“xoconostles”) fruits; it also source of vegetables “nopalitos” fodder for livestock, among other uses. Its taxonomical classification has been reported as complex, although few studies on the genetic structure Mexican are available, and differences between types fruits unknown. genotype identification still mainly based morphological characters. In this study, diversity germplasm agronomic economic importance was revealed, using 88 accessions 13 SSR markers, attempt to explore relationships them. A total 159 alleles were detected ranging from 7 23 per locus average 12.2. markers generated unique fingerprints each accession confirming their usefulness analysis. accessions’ grouping defined by several complementary clustering methods, moderate incongruences different methods did not influence overall clustering. DAPC STRUCTURE analyses grouped into five groups, thus incorrect delimitation species genus. following had no clear boundaries: ficus-indica, albicarpa, megacantha, streptacantha, lasiacantha, hyptiacantha. However, robusta separated rest species. joconostle matudae, which produce fruits, tended differ others. Median-joining simulation classified all genotypes complex network, both linear reticular ties revealed. distance revealed present study shows conservation use breeding programs.