Morphological Characterization of Southern Jalisco, Mexico, Pomegranate Genotypes Using AFLP Markers

Pomegranate is gaining popularity because of its proved nutraceutical properties and highly adaptable to different climates. In southern Jalisco, Mexico, 18 genotypes were characterized on the basis fruit characteristics (21 traits) AFLP (Amplified Fragment length polymorphism) markers. The first three components a principal analysis (PCA) explained 71.5% variation. most important variables related size weight. Fruit weight, equatorial diameter, polar rind membrane weight that contributed component one (PC1) 46.4%. juice per fruit, edible proportion, proportion membrane, seed two (PC2) 15.2%, while pH, seed, aril width (PC3) 9.9%. With six combinations primers, 315 fragments obtained (an average 52.5 primer); these, 229 polymorphic (72.7% polymorphism). Grouping by both morphological traits markers separated all evaluated individuals so there no repeated genotypes. analyses, grouping did not obey geographic origin (r = ?0.35), suggesting techniques useful complementary in characterization pomegranate commercial cultivars Wonderful Apaseo had low levels similarity from Jalisco. level polymorphism found compared with results other authors suggests are polymorphic. We broad genetic diversity can be used breeding programs.