A practical method for almond cultivar identification and parental analysis using simple sequence repeat markers

Early and accurate identification of almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] cultivars is critical to commercial growers and nurseries. Previously published simple sequence repeat loci were examined for their ability to distinguish commonly grown almond cultivars. Twelve highly polymorphic loci were selected for their ability to uniquely identify a set of 18 almond cultivars commonly grown in California, many of which are closely related. These markers also allow an accurate assessment of parent/progeny relationships among cultivars. This system can reliably identify at an early stage of development all major California almond cultivars in current production.