Genetic Diversity and Relationships between and within Kiwifruit (Actinidia) Wild Species and Cultivated Varieties Using SRAP Markers

Introduction: Kiwifruit (Actinidia) is one of the most important fruits in the world. Genetic diversity may provide the raw materials for programmers of plant breeding and crop improvement.

Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to reveal the genetic diversity and relationships of 30 kiwifruit genotypes belonging to twelve different species using the SRAP marker.

Results: A total of 292 polymorphic bands were observed, with an average of 24.33 bands per pair of combined primers. The unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis showed that the Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity value varied from 0.15 to 0.77, indicating that abundant diversities exist among these wild species. The 30 kiwifruit genotypes were divided into five groups using the cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis. A. rufa and A. arguta had the far relationship, A. chinensis, A. deliciosa, and A. eriantha had the close genetic relationships.

Conclusion: This study provided theoretical basis for the genetic diversity and further breeding programs of Actinidia.