Assessment of genetic diversity and relatedness among Tunisian almond germplasm using SSR markers

摘要

The almond tree, dating back to ancient times, has been grown extensively in Tunisia since the Carthaginian era, 8th century B.C. (Jaouani 1976). Being the granary of Rome during the Roman Empire, Tunisia was considered as one of the main trade routes along which almond was spread throughout the shores of the Mediterranean Sea (Felipe 2000). Occupying the second position after olive (Olea europea L.) with approximately 22 millions of trees covering more than 302 000 ha, Tunisian almond plantations are located throughout all the country in different climatic conditions. About 90% of the land devoted to this fruit crop is located in the central and southern agricultural area of the country under arid and semi-arid conditions (Fig. 1). Sfax (34°44′N, 10°46′E) and Sidi Bouzid (35°04′N, 9°49′E) are the main producing regions with 45% of the national production. In the north, Bizerte (37°16′N, 9°52′E) (humid to sub-humid climate) presents a very specific ecosystem with cultivars particularly tolerant to strong winds, high humidity and many fungal diseases such as Monillinia and Gloeosporium responsible for moniliose and anthracnose diseases, respectively.Figure1. Open FigureDownload Powerpoint slideGeographic position of the different accessions originated from different areas all over Tunisia.