Results of Genetic Studies Conducted on Pome Fruit Plants in the Northern Regions of Azerbaijan
Nazaket Huseynova
Abstract. This work examines the genetic diversity of local and introduced fruit crop varieties common in the mountainous regions of Azerbaijan, analyzes their current status, examines their biomorphological features, identifies them using molecular markers, and determines their degree of genetic relatedness. The degree of genetic similarity between varieties was assessed using cluster analysis. Genotypic assessment of the gene pool was conducted using hybridological analysis, differential staining, and PCR analysis of chromosomes. Fruit plants collected from orchards were selected according to relevant regulations. In this study, we conducted a genetic evaluation of material including 14 apple and 15 pear varieties. Genetic diversity of the breeding samples was analyzed using six SSR markers. SSR marker polymorphism ranged from two to eight alleles per locus. The SSR markers used in the study proved to be a reliable genotyping tool for the studied crops. Furthermore, based on the high observed heterozygosity values of the selected varieties, it can be concluded that the parental pairs selected for the cross are genetically distinct. Thus, the study and genetic analysis of the tested genomes allows us to identify the most effective genes and preserve the genetic diversity of cultivated samples and avoid genetic depletion of the gene pool. A comprehensive study of a collection of apple and pear trees using six SSR markers revealed a high number of heterozygotes, indicating significant genetic diversity in the parental pairs. The analysis conducted in this study, in turn, makes it possible to establish kinship relationships within the sample under evaluation. Thus, genetic analysis using SSR is a reliable means for reliably assessing parental forms. Conserving the genetic diversity of cultivated pear and apple varieties, as well as introduced forms of these plants, is a key focus in the development of new varieties in modern horticulture. When developing a variety, selecting parental pairs that possess a combination of positive traits is crucial. Years of research on these traits have resulted in the identification of varieties of interest for use in breeding research.
Keywords: genotype, gene pool, genetic markers, selection, clustering, genetic diversity