Genetic analysis of Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers

Genetic diversity of forty fig cultivars collected from five regions in Tunisia was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A total of 342 reproducible bands amplified with six AFLP primer combinations were obtained. The high percentage of polymorphic bands (%PB) of 97.5 and the resolving power (Rp) collective rate value of 143 were scored. In addition, the polymorphism information content (PIC) values varied from 0.61 to 0.87 with an average of 0.77. Although cluster (UPGMA) and principal components analyses indicate that the cultivars’ clustering made independently both from the geographical origin, horticultural classifications and/or from the sex of trees. In addition, the observed variation suggests considerable differentiation among fig cultivars. The present data supports the common origin of the fig cultivars. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that average Φ_ST value overall loci was 0.026, and the overall distribution pattern of molecular variation indicated that about 97.43% of the total variance was accounted by the within-region variance component. The remaining 2.5% (P < 0.001) of the variation was founded among cultivars of the prospected regions. Our results proved that AFLP markers are useful for germplasm discrimination as well as for investigation of fig patterns variation. The information may be useful to define conservation management program.