The genetic relationships of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) cultivars using SSR markers

The genetic relationships among 24 Indian jujube cultivars (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) were evaluated by genotyping the microsatellite loci using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR loci were scored by fluorescent labelling and automated detection systems for the high-throughput capillary electrophoresis and high-resolution gel electrophoresis. Out of the 29 newly characterized SSR loci, 26 were considered as polymorphic with a total of 181 alleles obtained. The number of alleles ranged from 2–12, while the polymorphism information content ranged from 0.08–0.83, and the expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.04–0.83 and 0.04–0.82, respectively. The allele pattern of Indian jujube for all SSR loci confirmed its karyotype as tetraploid. Similarity coefficients and UPGMA dendrogram revealed that the Taiwanese cultivars consisted of a large ‘A’ clade, which is further divided into ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ groups, and the ‘B’ clade where both are rooted by the wild accession, ‘Chad native’. These four genetic clusters were supported by the results of PCoA and the assignment test. The excess of heterozygotes based on F-statistics was attributed to its mating system as outcrossing and self-incompatible, and the introgression of the presumed mutation-derived cultivars with genetic admixture. Based on this study, SSR markers offer valuable information on the genetic relationship of this tropical fruit tree which is basically in agreement with the genealogy of its breeding history.