AFLP MARKER IN GENETIC DIVERSITYASSESSMENT OF FIG (Ficus carica L.) POPULATIONS IN KURDISTAN REGION – IRAQ.

In this study, the genetic relatedness of 12 cultivars of fig from different populations in Kurdistan region- Iraq were analyzed using eleven AFLP primers pairs combinations by using the technology of molecular analysis the DNA. Genetic similarity matrices were produced for the AFLP data to calculate genetic distances among their cultivars. Genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.1261 to 0.3905. The lowest genetic similarity was observed between Kola and Gala Zard (0.1261). The Hejeera Rash and Shela cultivars were most similar ones with a coefficient of 0.3905. Clustering based on AFLP data for the 12 fig cultivars was identified at the 0.32 similarity level. In the developed dendogram two main groups were found, the first one combined Ketek and Shela together, while the second group contained two sub group Shingaly and Benatty combined together, while in the other sub group cluster three other sub-group were identified. The results of this study may help in the formulation of appropriate strategies for conservation and cultivar improvement in figs, for which limited knowledge of the genetic diversity is available.

Regeneration of Blueberry Cultivars through Indirect Shoot Organogenesis

Leaf explants derived from in vitro–grown shoots of blueberry cultivars Bluejay, Pink Lemonade, Sunshine Blue, and Top Hat were cultured on woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 9.12 μm 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino) purine or zeatin (ZT) in combination with 1.23, 2.46, or 4.92 μm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Calluses were induced from the explants and adventitious shoots were regenerated. ‘Sunshine Blue’ and ‘Top Hat’ produced more than four shoots per explant but shoot numbers were less than one for each ‘Pink Lemonade’ explant and about 0.2 per ‘Bluejay’ explant. The results indicate that there is significant difference among cultivars in indirect shoot organogenesis. The differences may be related to their diverse genetic background as they are polyploid hybrids. Microcuttings derived from adventitious shoots of ‘Sunshine Blue’ rooted in vitro in WPM medium supplemented with 9.84 μm IBA and also rooted ex vitro in a peat-based substrate after cuttings were dipped or not dipped in IBA solutions. Direct rooting of microcuttings in the peat-based substrate was effective, suggesting that in vitro rooting may not be necessarily needed. Survival rate of ex vitro–rooted plants in a shaded greenhouse was high, more than 90%. The established shoot regeneration protocols could be used for rapid propagation of ‘Sunshine Blue’ and ‘Top Hat’ and for cultivar improvement through genetic transformation.