Genetic diversity of apricot determined by isozyme and RAPD analyses

The genetic diversity of 84 varieties of European, Irano-Caucasian, Chinese, and Central Asian origin, hybrid cultivars, and some wild forms from the Dzungar-Zailij population of Prunus armeniaca L. were used as an object of investigation. A dendrogram reflecting the divergence of eco-geographical groups of apricots was built on the basis of isozyme (AAT, AMY, EST, LAP, PX, SOD, SKDH) and RAPD analyses. The distribution of the accessions in the dendrogram reflects the genetic heterogeneity within groups. We suggest that the cultivated apricot has been developed mainly from wild P. armeniaca. The introgression of closely related species played a large role in the domestication of apricots from the Chinese centre of origin. A narrow genetic basis of selection of the European apricots has also been inferred.