Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Sapota Using Rapd Markers

Sapota, a hardy fruit crop is grown on a large area in Karnataka. Area under this crop is increasing due to its wider adaptability to varied agro-climatic conditions and higher productivity. The cluster analysis with Jaccard's Co-efficient showed a high to moderate level of genetic diversity in sapota. The two major clusters could be identified by UPGMA based on Jaccard's Co-efficient of similarity. The cluster one contained 31 genotypes and it again formed into two sub groups. Cluster two contained 1 genotype (PKM - 5). The dendrogram indicated that the round and oval (Sub cluster I) shape fruit bearing genotypes and oblong (cluster II) shape fruit bearing genotypes were separate groups. The cluster analysis for 19 cultivars clearly indicated that the genetic diversity between species is moderate, based on morphological characters and fruit shape. Again 19 cultivars clustered in to two main clusters, one cluster having all round and oval shape fruit and another having oblong shape fruit. The cluster analysis for 6 landraces and hybrids indicated that the genetic diversity was moderate and moderate to high, respectively.