Nuclear DNA content and comparative FISH mapping of the 5s and 45s rDNA in wild and cultivated populations of Physalis peruviana L.

Physalis peruviana L. often known as goldenberry, has increased its com-mercial growth in the international market in recent years due to its nutritional value and antioxidant potential. This situation has enabled countries such as Peru to increase their production in order to meet the global demand. However, investigations about the genetic diversity of cultivated and wild populations of goldenberry are still in their early stages. FISH mapping of 5s and 45s rDNA loci and flow cytometry estimation of nuclear DNA content were used to assess genetic differences between wild and culti-vated goldenberry populations from Ayacucho and Cajamarca. The majority of meta-phases had six 5s rDNA sites for all populations and two and four 45s rDNA sites for the cultivated and wild populations, respectively. We were able to characterize nine dif-ferent types of chromosomes based on their morphology, fluorescence, rDNA location, and conservation across populations by analyzing the chromosomes that contained rDNA. Furthermore, cultivated populations had more nuclear DNA (13.262 +/- 0.087 pg) than wild populations (12.955 +/- 0.086 pg). The results show genetic differences between wild and cultivated populations of goldenberry at molecular cytogenetic level as well as in genome size. These findings establish a precedent for future cytogenetic and genom-ic studies in goldenberry populations, enabling future breeding programs.

Automated summary

In this study, FISH mapping and flow cytometry were used to assess genetic differences between wild and cultivated populations of Physalis peruviana L. (goldenberry). The results showed genetic differences at the molecular cytogenetic level and in genome size between the two populations. These findings have important implications for future cytogenetic and genomic studies as well as breeding programs in goldenberry populations.