Studies on percentage Oil Content Variability and Genetic Divergence Analysis of Prunus armeniaca L. (Wild Apricot) in Kashmir and Ladakh Regions of India

Abstract

The study was undertaken to estimate the percentage oil content variability and genetic divergence for seed and seedling characters of 17 Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs)/half-sib families of Wild Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L) collected from different locations of Kashmir (temperate) and Laddakh (arid) regions in India. Seeds of 17 candidate plus trees were collected and graded to constitute seed lots of different CPTs. After the dimensional measurements for seed and kernel characters, part of the seeds from seed lots of each CPT/family were analyzed for oil content estimation. Part of the constituted seed lots of each family/CPT were sown in open field environmental conditions in the nursery following Randomized Block Design (RBD), with a view to assess the expression of genetic diversity using Non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis. Intercrossing of divergent groups would lead to greater opportunity for crossing over, which releases hidden variability by breaking linkage. Candidate plus tree progenies were grouped into five clusters under open field environment. Inter-cluster distance was found to be highest between cluster III and IV, revealing their genetic closeness from high to low. On the basis of inter and intra cluster distance cluster no. III and IV may be considered as diverse and can be utilized for hybridization when selecting genotypes for breeding purposes. Seedling height followed by oil content (%) and number of branches/seedling respectively, contributed maximum to the total divergence and played a prominent role in creating the genetic diversity.