Genetic Relationships among Some Almond Genotypes Cultivated in Libya

Abstract

Almond is a commercially important plant, little is known about the variation among its genotypes and consequently the traditional methods for genotypes identification is lacking. This investigation was mainly performed to study the physicochemical characteristics, biochemical composition and molecular structure of top quality eighteen commercial almond genotypes in Libya. These genotypes are Bezotta (1), Amazitto (2), Grabillo (3), Avola (4), Castilla (5), Santuoro (6), Mondorilla Bianca (7), Mondorilla ladolcsi (8), Rachil (9), Fragillia (10), Montiron (11), Fragillia de bagilia (12), Isabella (13), Branchibatta (14), Ansperabilla (15), Faccinado (16), City Bianca (17) and Romana (18). The eighteen genotypes were compared firstly according to the morphological characters of the fruits. Secondly, the content of total oil, Linoleic acid and proteins were measured to discriminate between these almonds genotypes under investigation on the biochemical level. Thirdly, two PCR based marker systems (SRAP and ISSR) were applied to determine the biodiversity among these almond genotypes at the molecular level. The results indicated that the eighteen genotypes showed variations in there fruit morphology and biochemical composition. The fruit length