Full Length Research Paper

Genetic analysis on wild olives by using RAPD markers

M. Sesli¹*, E. D. Yeğenoğlu²

¹School of Tobacco Expertise, Celal Bayar University, Republic of Turkey, 45210 Akhisar, Manisa, Turkey.

²Akhisar Vocational School, Celal Bayar University, Republic of Turkey, 45210 Akhisar, Manisa, Turkey.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: meltem.sesli@bayar.edu.tr.  Tel.: (++90) 236 412 68 96. Fax: (++90) 236 413 70 58.

Accepted 9 May, 2009.

   Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect genetic similarities and distances among wild olive trees by RAPD-PCR technique. Olives are raised at a high range from Artvin on the north, up to Hatay on the south and up to Mardin on the Southeast part of Turkey. The Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara and Black Sea regions of Turkey have suitable climatic conditions for olive breeding. Olive breeding had a rapid increase in the Aegean Region during recent years, among the agricultural products. Therefore, it is required to know the genetic relationships between wild olives and their cultural relatives in order to improve genetic resources and our knowledge of their evolutionary background. In this study, samples were mainly collected from Manisa province and additionally, samples were taken from Izmir and Mugla provinces for comparison. Genomic DNA’s were extracted from young leaves and PCR was used to generate RAPD bands. 60 random primers obtained from Operon Tech. were tested by RAPD-PCR. Total of 38 primers were given highly polymorphic and continuous scorable bands. 167 bands were found and each primer was screened at an average of 4.4 polymorphic bands.

Key words: RAPD, PCR, wild olive.