Development of sex-linked AFLP markers in Simmondsia chinensis

P>In most economically important dioecious plants such as Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba), sex identification based on flowering can only be made after 1-5 years of plantation. Identification of sex-associated molecular markers for ascertaining sex at seedling stage is a desirable prerequisite for optimal plantation and economical benefits. Jojoba is being developed as a plantation crop in the arid regions of Western India due to the commercial benefits of the unique waxy content of its seeds. In the present study, sex-linked DNA markers have been identified in S. chinensis using the AFLP technique. From sixteen primers combinations used for AFLP analysis, two combinations EcoRI-TAC/MseI-GCG and EcoRI-GC/MseI-GCG resulted in amplification of sex-linked markers. Two male-specific markers of similar to 525 bp and similar to 325 bp were identified using the primer combinations EcoRI-GC/MseI-GCG and EcoRI-TAC/MseI-GCG, respectively. A female-specific marker of similar to 270 bp was also identified with the primer combination EcoRI-TAC/MseI-GCG. In future, SCAR markers developed from these sex-specific markers will provide an effective and reliable method for sex identification.