Identification of S alleles in Iranian sour cherry genotypes using consensus primers

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-fertilization by enabling the pistil to reject self-pollen. It is controlled by a single multi-allelic locus, called the S-locus. Determination of the composition of the S-alleles of sour cherry genotypes is useful both to growers producing the fruit and breeders when selecting cultivars for cross-fertilizations. In this study, S-allele diversity and identity of eight Iranian Sour cherry genotypes and two commercial cultivars Ciganymeggy and Erdi botermo , was investigated using two sets of primers. The results of sequencing of PCR product showed that the first intron, which was amplified with primers (PaConsI-F, PaConsI-R2 new), identified S6 and S9 alleles, also the second intron (PaConsII-F and PaConsII-R) identified S9 and S6m2 in studied genotypes. Information obtained about S-allele combinations of Iranian sour cherry genotypes will be useful during the establishment of new commercial orchards, in order to maximize the fruit set and consequently the yield.

Keywords:

Sour cherry , Self –incompatibility , Consensus primers , PCR