Genetic purity assessment of D x T hybrids in coconut with SSR markers

M. K. Rajesh; R. J. Thomas; J. Rijith; M. Shareefa; P. M. Jacob

M. K. Rajesh Divison of Crop Improvement, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124
R. J. Thomas Divison of Crop Improvement, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124
J. Rijith Divison of Crop Improvement, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124
M. Shareefa Divison of Crop Improvement, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124
P. M. Jacob Divison of Crop Improvement, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124

Keywords: Coconut, hybrids, genetic purity, microsatellite markers

Abstract

Assessment of genetic purity in coconut hybrids was done using molecular markers. A set of 50 hyperpolymorphic coconut SSR markers were utilized to characterize parental lines Chowghat Green Dwarf (CGD) and West Coast Tall (WCT) used for hybrid coconut production. A panel of 17 informative SSR markers capable of distinguishing these parental lines was identified and these markers were utilized in DxT hybrid seedling purity assessments in coconut nurseries.