Morphological Characterization of Grapefruit and Pummelo Accessions Using the ISSR Molecular Markers

doi:10.21608/ejoh.2015.1291

Morphological Characterization of Grapefruit and Pummelo Accessions Using the ISSR Molecular Markers

Document Type : Original Article

10.21608/ejoh.2015.1291

Abstract

AMONG the national objectives of the National Gene Bank and Genetic Resources (NGBGR) in Egypt are the collection, characterization, evaluation and conservation of agricultural genetic resources. On the other hand the main goal of Horticulture Research Institute is to enhance the productivity of horticultural crops in quantity and quality. The present study investigates the morphological characterization and estimates the genetic polymorphism and relationships among 9 citrus cultivars (4 grapefruit and 5 pummelo) accessions based on ISSR markers. Twenty- eight morphological characteristics were studied to describe the tree, leaf, inflorescence, fruits and seeds. The morphological characterization showed wide range of differences among grapefruit and pummelo accessions. Characterization of leaf lamina shape resulted in five accessions having ovate shape, three were Elliptic and one was orbicular. Fruit shape studies indicated that three accessions (Ruby red, Moneybi and Egyptian) were obloid, five (Marsh, White, Rabehe, Gizawe and Broad leaf) were spheroid and one (Duncan) was pyriform. Shape of fruit apex demonstrated that four accessions were truncate, four were depressed, and one was rounded. Differences in flavido (rind skin) colour among accessions revealed that one cultivar was pink – yellow, two were green-yellow, one was dark yellow and the rest of the accessions were yellow. Meanwhile, flesh colour was white in 12169, 12171 and12173, light yellow in 12172, yellow in 12167 and 12168, pink in 12170, light red in 12166 and red in 12174 flesh.

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