Molecular marker assisted selection of novel traits for quality seed production in komadan coconut palms

A study was conducted to identify the molecular marker linked to novel traits in Komadan mother palms. Twenty RAPD and 18 SSR markers were used in this study for characterization of ten Komadan palms and ten West Coast Tall (WCT). Six RAPD markers (OPC20, OPP3, OPP2, OPP5, OPA5 and OPD3) and five SSR markers (CNZ1, CNZ10, CNZ43, CAC10 and CnCirH4) produced amplicon specific to Komadan. These markers can be used to distinguish Komadan characters from other type and can be used for screening true to type of Komadan palms. In the bulk line analysis OPC 20 produced more reliable reproducible amplicon, and the product was eluted and sequenced for developing SCAR marker. A total of 161 Komadan segregants were screened by using SCAR marker specific to Komadan traits, the total of 86 genotypes showed expected product size.