GENETIC DIVERSITY IN LOQUAT FROM SEEDS WITH LARGE EPICOTYLS

The genetic diversity of seedlings of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) derived from seeds with large epicotyls was analyzed, using seedlings from seeds with normal size of epicotyls as a control group. The plants varied in leaf morphology including attitude (growing angle), shape, length, width, apex shape, margin shape, margin serration depth, color (upper side), veins (under side), blade (shape of upper side) and texture. Chromosome number of plants with large epicotyls determined by root tip squashes was diploid, indicating that polyploidy was not involved. Using 6 RAPD primers screened from 100 candidate primers, genomic DNA of plants derived from large epicotyls and their relative mother plant was amplified. Sixty-three bands were obtained, 56 of which were polymorphic, accounting for 88.9%. According to the results of amplification, an UPGMA clustering figure was constructed and the plants derived from the seeds with large epicotyls were divided into four major groups. These results indicated a generally more abundant genetic diversity of the plants from the seeds with large epicotyls compared to those with normal epicotyls.