Identification of Self-Compatibility and Self-Incompatibility Genotypes in Almond and some Prunus Species Using Molecular Markers

Self-incompatibility in almond is controlled gametophytically by the multiallelic S-locus. In order to characterize the self-incompatibility and self-compatibility in almond and some Prunus species, several specific simple and multiplex PCR primers were used. Plant materials included seventy almond cultivars from different geographical regions and twenty two Prunus species. PCR analysis with the specific primer pairs allowed identifying 14 unique S-alleles in almond, 11 in related Prunus species and Sf in some cultivars and Prunus species. Some unknown alleles were also identified in Iranian cultivars and Prunus species. Findings show the genetic relationships among almond and related Prunus species. Self-incompatibility adopted by many Prunus species avoids inbreeding and thus maintains species diversity.