Abstract
Background: Genetic diversity and population structure of the olive varieties cultivated in Pakistan are yet to
be explored.
Methods: In present study, we studied population structure and genetic diversity and developed DNA fingerprints
of 13 olive varieties using 63 Simple Sequence Repeat markers.
Results: Collectively 618 alleles were amplified among which 582 were polymorphic and 36 were monomorphic.
High allelic diversity per locus was found among 63 SSR markers, i.e., one for GAPU-12 to 23 for UDO099-008
and GAPU-47 with an average 9.80 alleles per locus. On the basis of cluster analysis genotypes were grouped
into two clusters. Cluster I contained varieties Manzanilla, Sohawa-selection, Koroneki, Bulkasar-selection,
Arbequina, Arbosona, Chugtai-selection, whereas cluster II was comprised of varieties Bari-Zatoon, Coratina,
Gemlik, Frontaio, Pendolino and Ottobratica. UDO-24 marker alone identified seven olive varieties. Similarly,
DCA-07 and EMO-02 identified six olive varieties each.
Conclusion: The findings of this manuscript will be helpful for future studies related to DNA fingerprinting and
genetic diversity assessment for choice of SSR markers and identification of olive varieties.
