Development of microsatellite markers in polyploid persimmon (Diospyros kaki Lf) from an enriched genomic library

The oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki Lf) is believed to have originated in China with subsequent introduction into Japan and Korea in ancient times. The species was then brought to Europe, Brazil and the USA from Japan in the 19th century. Recent studies highlighted the poor state of identification of cultivars in these countries due to incorrect labelling and presence of synonyms among local varieties. Thus, molecular marker characterization of germplasm resources is of great value for genetic resource preservation and plant breeding of persimmon. Therefore, to identify accessions for further plant breeding and germplasm management, 37 microsatellite loci were developed from a CT/AG‐enriched persimmon genomic library.     

Development of SSR markers located in the G1 linkage group of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) using a bacterial artificial chromosome library

Sixteen simple sequence repeats (SSRs) of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) were isolated from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. Twelve restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes mapped on LG1 of the Prunus general map were hybridized to the BAC library in order to select clones belonging to G1 linkage group of apricot. Selected BACs were digested, subcloned and hybridized with probes containing repeat motifs (GA)₁₀ and (TA)₁₀. Sequencing of the positive subclones revealed 18 unique SSR sequences of which 16 allowed the design of primers flanking the SSR. From the 16 primer pairs, 10 amplified polymorphic markers with an average of observed and expected heterozygosities of 0.44 and 0.68, respectively. The procedure described here proves to be a useful technique for obtaining markers in target areas of a genome.     

Development of six microsatellite loci for black mangrove (Avicennia germinans)

We developed six new microsatellite loci for the black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), an important member of wetland communities worldwide. Loci showed moderate to high polymorphism and a survey of four locations [Puerto Rico (Jobos Bay and Luquillo), Mexico, French Guyana] revealed clear regional (and local) population structure. All populations were genetically distinct and the two continental populations showed much higher diversity than the two insular Puerto Rican locations. These loci complement those recently published by Nettel et al. (2005 ) and promise to be valuable for characterizing local and regional population dynamics in the black mangrove.     

Phenological growth stages of loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.)

Conservation, characterisation and utilisation of minor fruit tree species is an important objective for diversification of agro-food production. One such fruit tree is the loquat, a tree that originated in China but is well adapted to the Mediterranean area. The conservation and utilisation of suitable germplasm requires an accurate characterisation and evaluation of the material. A first step in characterisation is to use phenotypic traits. This paper describes the phenological growth stages of loquat tree using the extended BBCH scale. Seven principal growth stages (PGS) for bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development and fruit maturity and 31 secondary growth stages are described and compared with a previous scale based on Fleckinger classical methodology. An example of application of the extended BBCH scale for characterisation of loquat cultivars from IVIA germplasm collection is reported.