A molecular protocol for Early Sex Discrimination (ESD) in Actinidia spp

Dioecism and an extended juvenile phase of 3–7 years in kiwifruit hinder the progress breeding new cultivars. The identification fruit-bearing females at early stage growth is crucial for breeders. Consequently, molecular markers have become a key tool identifying female male plants development. Several efforts were made to identify PCR-based sex linked Actinidia; however, those are characterized by highly polymorphic nature affecting result screening reliability, suggesting need more suitable, stable markers, consistent transferability among genotypes species. main goal this work was develop method ultimate discrimination from using sex-linked markers. We developed Early Sex Discrimination Test (ESD Test) that allows simple PCR amplification test. demonstrate test could unequivocally gender unknown sample both most commercially important species A. chinensis further 13 Actinidia tested with exception latifolia, where fail discrimination. Male be easily identified discarded reducing cost program.