Molecular fingerprints and genetic relatedness of traditional mango cultivars using SSR markers

Germplasm characterization is a prerequisite for conservation and utilization in breeding programmes. SSR markers were used to identify a set of polymorphic microsatellite loci and analysis of genetic diversity within mango cultivars. The present study was aimed to assess the intra-specific relationships among 37 diverse mango cultivars using 20 SSR markers. A total of 176 alleles were identified with an average of 8.8 allele per locus. About 19 primer pairs showed polymorphic bands with a number of alleles ranging from 2 to 18. Shannon diversity index and PIC varied in the ranges of 0.11–0.80 and 0.05–0.49, respectively. Marker index and resolving power ranged in the classes of 0.32–5.54 and 0.16–2.7, respectively. SSR markers are suitable for characterization and assessment across diverse mango cultivars and there is small difference in the genetic diversity with the species. Analysis of overall diversity of mango cultivars revealed the high intraspecies diversity (70%) between monoembryonic and polyembryonic mango cultivars. This high intraspecific diversity is due to low gene flow in population. The information of this research will be useful for selection and more efficient utilization of mango germplasm in breeding programs in the future.