GENETIC DIVERSITY OF COCONUT ( Cocos nucifera L.) IN YAP STATE

Coconut is an important crop in the tropical zone. In this study, we collected leaflet samples from coconuts in Yap proper and the four inhabited islands of the Ulithi atoll.Then, we evaluated genetic diversity of coconuts grown in Yap using simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Two alleles were detected at the CNZ33 locus. At least eight alleles were detected at the CNZ29 locus. The number of alleles in samples from Yap at the CNZ29 locus was comparable to that detected in samples across the entire geographic range. The cause of high genetic diversity of coconut in Yap is discussed.