Genetic characterization of Theobroma cacao L Nicaraguan
Genetic composition of Theobroma cacao L., including 60 Nicaraguan farmers accessions, was investigated using nine microsatellite (SSR) markers. Fourteen breeders accessions from Experimental Center “El Recreo”, INTA, Nicaragua, two Criollos accession from CATIE, Costa Rica, and two accessions from Ecuador were included as reference material. The average PIC value (0.78) indicated a high power of discrimination for the nine loci used. A total of 155 alleles were detected at the nine loci. The number of alleles per marker ranged from 10 to 22 with a means of 17.22 alleles per locus. A heterozygosity deficiency (HExp < HObs) was registered for all microsatellite loci. The average expected heterozygosity was=0.68 among Nicaraguan farmers accessions. The Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed a low level of differentiation among populations. The genetic distances determined for the groups of farmers accessions RAAS and Pacifico Sur are closely similar, while a great genetic distance was observed between RAAN and RAAS groups. The cluster analysis presented a strong genetic relation between the Criollo 13 from CATIE and farmers accession MAT0404. The principal component analysis showed that 7 farmers accession from Nicaragua are genetically related with the accessions Criollo 13 and Yucatan from the international accessions. The present study suggested a good possibility to select farmers accessions to be included in breeding programs, especially those accessions related to know Criollo accessions.
genetic differentiation, genetic diversity, microsatellites, farmers and breeders
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