Use of microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the level of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

We have used eight pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to analyse the genetic diversity in 130 individuals of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) co mprising 75 tall individuals and 55 dwarf individuals, representing 94 diff erent coconut ecotypes throughout the world. A total of 51 alleles were det ected, with an average of 6.4 alleles per locus. Fifty alleles were detecte d in tall coconuts (talls; mean alleles/locus 6.3) compared with only 26 (m ean/ locus 3.3) in dwarfs, and the average diversity value in talls (0.589) was also significantly higher than that in dwarfs (0.348). Using the eight SSRs we were able to uniquely discriminate 116 of the 130 individuals. A p henetic tree based on D-AD (absolute distance) values clustered individuals into five groups, each mainly composed of either talls or dwarfs. These re sults provide evidence in support of previous hypotheses concerning the dis semination of coconut, as well as important new information for conservatio n and breeding purposes.