Preliminary Identification of Molecular Markers Associated with Precocity in Mangaba Tree

 

The mangaba tree (Hancornia speciosa Gomes - Apocinaceae ) is a Brazilian native fruit tree of major social and economic relevance to the country’s northeastern coastline. The fruits are rich in vitamin C and have characteristic flavor greatly appreciated. Normally the time for the first fructification is five years. The specific genotype (CP2) of the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Coastal Tablelands showed characteristics of precocity, with fruiting at 14 months. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among 18 genotypes of all ‘CP’ access, using ISSR for molecular identification of a marker associated with the precocity in mangaba. The use of eight ISSR primers resulted in 89% of polymorphism. We could not identify a specific marker, however, the CP2 presented 100 % divergent from the other genotypes. The identification of genotypes with characteristics of interest and genetically divergent may contribute to strategies of conservation this germplasm and will contribute to development of breeding programs and commercial exploitation.