Molecular characterization of oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq., from different origins (Zaire and Cameroon) using microsatellite markers

Abstract

The genetic variability of 96 accessions of oil palm (E. guineensis Jacq.) from Cameroon and Zaire with 20 microsatellite markers was determined. 59 alleles were detected with an average of 2.95, three loci were polymorphic with a PIC (Polymorphic Information Index) average 0.58. High genetic diversity, with a total heterozygosity of 0.46, and a high percentage of polymorphic loci of 90% was found. FST value was of 0.14, suggesting that in the populations of Cameroon and Zaire there is a moderate population structure. The observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.67) was higher than expected heterozygosity (He = 0.42), demonstrating a low presence of homozygous. The parameters of population differentiation as the FIS and FIT confirmed a high number of heterozygotes with respect to expected under the conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Microsatellite allowed discriminating genotypes according to the origin place. The results obtained show that the collections of Cameroon and Zaire may be considered as a single population, with moderate population structure despite of the constant existent gene flow. These results could be used in future conservation programs, selection and genetic improvement of the species.

Keywords

• Diversidad genética
• estructura poblacional
• conservación
• heterocigocidad esperada y observada