Analysis of population structure and genetic relatedness among root (wilt) disease-resistant and susceptible west coast tall coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) using microsatellite markers

The population structures among the root (wilt) disease-resistant and susceptible coconut palms from 12 locations in the three disease-endemic districts of southern Kerala, were analyzed using nine microsatellite markers. The pair-wise population differentiation estimate (F(st)) between the resistant and susceptible populations was 0.021. Two major populations and a subpopulation cluster were identified among the resistant palms. The analysis of genetic relatedness between the resistant mother palms showed that most of the palms located in a single locality shared sib relationship among them. The existence of close genetic relationship among resistant palms from Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Kottayam and Pavukkara localities in Kerala were reported. The results are discussed in terms of breeding strategies for increasing heterozygosity and obtaining the maximum number of disease-resistant seedlings.