Genotype authenticity of the major fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars in Croatia

Abstract

The fig is one of the oldest fruit species in the world. The intensity of fig cultivation in Croatia varied from complete neglect to gradual revitalization and popularization, which raises the question of the uniformity and reliability of the existing cultivars. The choice and availability of different cultivars of figs today is closely related to the offer of nurseries, which are supposed to guarantee the true-to-type genotype of the cultivar. However, observed uneveness of the orchards and numerous cases of synonyms and homonyms point to the non-consistency of cultivar genotype, that is, to the possibility of heterogeneity of the cultivar populations. The goal of this research was to examin the status of genetic uniqueness (distinctness) and uniformity of three economically important fig cultivars in Croatia by applying genetic and pomological identification methods. Genotype analysis using microsatellite markers at seven loci and selected IPGRI descriptors determined the heterogeneity of cultivars within and between production and mother plantations, what opened questions about the identity of some cultivars and the credibility of national fig collections. Basic SSR profiles and fruit descriptions were proposed for examined cultivars. Both, genotyping with molecular markers and appropriate pomological analyses would be necessary to determine the true-to-type genotypes and prime names of all economically relevant fig cultivars.

Keywords

• true-to-type cultivar
• genetic identification
• descriptors
• ssr