Isoenzyme Polymorphism in Apricot Cultivars

Abstract

Eighteen enzyme systems were studied in 50 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars of diverse geographical origin using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Thirteen systems were polymorphic at 20 loci. This polymorphism allowed unique identification of 31 cultivars, while the remaining 19 cultivars were divided into six groups. The most useful enzymes in apricot cultivar identification were esterase, amylase, alanine (or leucine) aminopeptidase and glutamate dehydrogenase. Isoenzyme variability was highest in the cultivar groups originating from Central Asia and from the former USSR countries. European and North American cultivars showed a medium level of variability, while polymorphism was lowest in genotypes from Serbia.