Evaluation of the Algerian Apricot Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity: Impact of Graft-Propagated Autochthonous and Introduced Cultivars in a Traditional Seed-Propagated System

Abstract

Despite the apricot cultivars introduced from Spain and France are displacing the autochthonous Algerian cultivars in each area, there are a lot of local cultivars that still have a great interest and they are cultivated in the orchards from the Algerian arid agrosystem. This study addresses the phenotypical and molecular characterization of autochthonous (Algerian and Tunisian cultivars) and introduced (Spanish and French) graft-propagated apricot cultivars in a traditional seed-propagated system. Sixty-five apricot cultivated autochthonous and introduced accessions from the provinces of Batna (slightly arid area) and M’Sila (semi-arid area) in Algeria have been evaluated. These cultivated accessions included autochthonous Algerian cultivars (graft and seed propagated) selected over the years for its adaptation to warm Mediterranean climate and Spanish and French introduced cultivars (graft propagated). In these materials and agronomical evaluation of phenological (budburst, flowering and ripening date), pomological (fruit weight and yield per tree) and fruit quality (firmness and acidity), traits were performed together with a molecular characterization of the genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat (SSR) marks. Results showed the great diversity at agronomical and molecular level of this Algerian apricot germplasm. The seed-propagated autochthonous cultivars showed a lower yield per tree and fruit weight. Seed-propagated autochthonous also showed a longer fruit development and ripening cycle in comparison with the grafted cultivars with a later ripening date. Regarding fruit quality, seed-propagated autochthonous cultivars present low firmness and high acidity compared with the rest. Results also showed the effectiveness of the SSR markers by the correct identification, detecting some synonymies and suggesting the origin of some autochthonous cultivars. These results will provide more in-depth information to develop a strategy for in situ conservation of cultivars and to reduce gene flow from introduced material to ancient orchards. These materials would be interesting to modify some quality traits such as the acidity or firmness and drought resistance in apricot breeding programs.