Genetic investigation of pomegranate genotypes tolerant to drought using morphological, physiological and molecular markers

Abstract

Several pomegranate genotypes including commercial cultivars, exotic lines, ornamental types, F1, F2, BC and multiple hybrids were evaluated for morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters for drought tolerance like cell membrane stability (CMS), osmatic potential, water potential, relative water content (% RWC), root length, number of secondary roots, root fresh weight and root dry weight. ‘Nana’ and ‘Double Flower’ and their hybrids exhibited tolerance for moisture stress. Selected tolerant lines were used for DNA fingerprinting using RAPD’s. Identification of RAPD markers for root traits in F2 population for drought tolerance was developed. Data on drought related parameters have been collected for understanding the genetics of drought tolerance using six generation mean analysis.