Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to evaluate genetic
diversity among 11 Yemeny pomegranate types. Samples were collected in 2004
from three main regions: east, middle and north of the country (Rada, Hada
and Saada). PCR amplificati
on of pomogranate DNA with 30 random primers
generated 1013 bands, 118 of them were polymorphic 11.5%. Results showed
that the genetic diversity within the tested types was limited. Similarity values
ranged between 59 –96 % with a mean of 79 %. Statistical analysis showed
that the types can be divided into two clusters: cluster 1 with Orkobi and
Mellies types found in the Hada region; cluster 2 includes nine types belonging
to the Saada and Radaa regions .High similarity (90–96%) was obtained with
Khazemy, Liessy 1, Liessy 2, Taefi, Ahmer and Balady types. Whereas, some
types could be considerd as separate cultivars due to their high genetic
diversity such as, Orkoby and Mellies (Hada region) in addition to Bohssom,
Sommaty and Liessy 3 in the Saada region.
Study was conducted in five locations as the important areas for
pomegranate cultivation and production in Yemen, during the period (15/1–
15/8/2004). Eight accessions of local pomegranate were used in this study:
Taefi, Orkobi, Mellies–Hada, Khaz
emy, Sommaty, Kodary, Chiny and Mellies–
Raudha in addition to the wild pomegranate type (Socotria). The
morphological characters were determined for leaves, flowers,fruits and seeds.
The chemical analysis for juice was also assessed. Maximum rate for fruit
weight was 527.3 gm for Kodary accession, whereas fruit Juic varied between
49.5–63.2%, while peel / fruit was varied between15% in Taefi and 35.9 % in
Chiny, whereas the peel thickness varied between 1.5–4.2 mm. The Scotria was
found to be evergreen, and flowers around the year. Kazemy accession gave
higher fruits number/tree with rate 246.7. The greatest rate of T.S.S and
Vitamin C were 18.57% and 11.12 mg respectively for Chiny accession, and the
highest content of organic acids in these accessions was 0.54 % for Taefi.
