Application of Microsatellite Markers for Identification and Registration of Pistachio Cultivars

Due to complex identification of young pistachio cultivars (Pistacia vera L.) using morphological traits, advance molecular tools have provided a new prospect for DNA fingerprinting. In this study, specific molecular keys were identified for 10 Iranian pistachio cultivars (Pistacia vera L.) using 25 SSR markers and 12 specific AFLP primer combinations. Out of 25 SSR markers, 4 were polymorphic. However, specific molecular keys were not identified using SSR markers. Twelve specific AFLP primer combinations produced specific molecular keys for 10 Iranian pistachio cultivars. Out of 12 specific AFLP primer combinations, two produced specific molecular keys for 8 Iranian pistachio cultivars. Specific primer combination “M_TTT-E_GTC” in Abbasali, Ahmad Aghaei, Badami Sefid, Fandoghi 48, Momtaz, Ohadi va Shahpasand, and “M_GAG-E_CAG” in Akbari produced specific keys. The results showed that there was a similar genetic background within Iranian pistachio mother's trees. The specific molecular keys were verified on 36 pistachio mother's trees and the results were confirmed at two independent laboratories. The reported specific molecular keys can be used for identification of 10 Iranian pistachio cultivars.