Simple Sequence Repeats-Based DNA Fingerprinting and Varietal Identification of Mango Cultivars

1. Introduction

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the most popular cultivated commercial fruit with great economic value and important long-lived evergreen tree [1]. Mango has been ranked third in production and second major fruit in Pakistan, participating to food and nutritional security to rural economy. Mango is known as “king of fruits” originated from subcontinent belonging to an earliest cultivated fruits. Mango production is concentrated in Pakistan in Sindh province as tropical climate while in Punjab have the subtropical climate [2]. Pakistan has commercial exportable mango cultivars as Sindhri (Early), SB Chaunsa (Mid) and Sufaid Chaunsa (Late) fruit availability and have approximately 3.5 months window for export of mangoes to other countries [3]. Mango fruit trees have been widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas. China and Pakistan are among the top mango producer countries. Mangoes are one of the major horticultural fruit crops in Punjab with 76% and Sindh provinces 24% share in mango production in Pakistan. In China, tropical provinces such as Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian, and Sichuan are major mango producers. Selection among chance seedling with superior traits of fruit quality as well as planned breeding with marker assisted selection considered a quick and precise technique for the development of mango varieties. Mango is often cross-pollinated [4], an allotetraploid (2n = 4X= 40) [5], highly heterozygous tree fruit, mono- and polyembryonic seed and having small imputed genome size of approximately 440-480 MB[6,7]. The genes controlling the traits can be mapped using high-throughput sequencing [8,9]. New mango varieties are generated by hybridization, introduction, selection and breeding of novel transgenes or genotypes [10,11].

Commercial mango varieties have largely been grown under varying planting geometries and were maintained by using clonal propagation by grafting of a specific variety or mutated branches [12]. Mango trees are heteroecious and cross-breeding has become dominant with high world popularity. DNA fingerprinting is widely used to identify and evaluate genetic diversity of mango plant varieties and hybrids [11,13,14,15,16,17]. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) or microsatellites are categorized as genetic loci and are tandem repeats, highly abundant and broadly distributed across both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Compared with RFLP and RAPD, the advantages of SSR molecular markers include multi-allelic, clear loci, highly polymorphic, good repeatability, high resolution, codominate, reliable detection, high abundance, simple experimental design, easy operation and high distribution in plant genomes [18,19,20,21]. The SSR DNA markers are widely used for genotype DNA identification, variety or hybrid certification, parent detection, diversity analysis in diverse forest fruit species including mango [22,23,24], date palm [25], peach [26], sweet cherry[27], wild kiwifruit [28], papaya [29] and plum [30]. More than 1000 named mango commercial cultivars have been reported to exist around the worldwide. More than 100 SSR markers have been used to identify, characterize and evaluate various mango germplasm [31,32,33]. Germplasm evaluation and genetic diversity in mango using SSR markers gain significant advancement for evaluation of hybrids or cultivars, determination of genetic variations and conservation of germplasm [7,34]. SSR markers have widely used for identification of the domestication and movement of germplasm [35]. Genetic diversity evaluation in candidate cultivar using SSR molecular technology is based on SSR-PCR amplifications. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining procedures were used to visualize and analyze the amplified segments as DNA fingerprints [36,37].

In Pakistan, mango is an exportable fresh fruit commodity. Several breeding lines are created to develop competitive cultivars with excellent production [38]. In mango, variety evaluation is important for utilization of the valuable genetic resource. The present study was performed to estimate the genetic variability created in mango cultivar ‘Azeem Chaunsa’ recommended for cultivation in Punjab using SSR markers. The genetic diversity of Azeem Chaunsa’ cultivar was also compared with other improved standard mango cultivars cultivated in Punjab. Mango reciprocal cross breeding method is frequently used for breeding new mango cultivars in hybridization program [39]. The progeny have the probability of both superior and inferior traits, tested after passing long juvenility. It is difficult to differentiate the authenticity of the offspring of hybrid. To evaluate cultivar identification and diversity of Pakistani mango genetic resources, 50 standard polymorphic SSR markers were selected for rapid genetic purity assessment in mango. Several commercially grown mango cultivars or hybrids were assessed accurate parentages. The present study was performed to determine genetic diversity among candidate mango cultivar and standard mango cultivars using hyper-variable polymorphic SSR markers. In the current study, unique and rare alleles were also identified and reconfirmed that would be useful for determination of genetic purity of cultivars in mango.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Experimental Material

The mango cultivars classified according to fruit availability such as Sindhri (Early season), Samar Bahisht (S.B) Chaunsa (Mid-season) and Sufaid Chaunsa (Late season), and the candidate cultivars ‘Azeem Chaunsa’ were grown in separate block and follow the planting geometry of 27 feet distance in between the rows and 22 feet distance in plants which accommodated 72 plants per acre in Mango Research Station, Shujabad, Multan. Freshly emerged tender leaves were collected for extraction of DNA samples. A set of perfect mango polymorphic SSR markers was selected for testing based on high polymorphism, stable amplification and clear banding patterns. The SSR primers were obtained from different genomic databases based on wide genome coverage. The fully grown mature and uniform mango trees having uniform age and size in the experimental orchard of “Mango Research Station” Shujabad, Punjab (Pakistan), located at latitude 29.8717° N and 71.3231° E, belonging to the Sub-Tropical Arid Climate. The standard cultivars are commercially grown in all the provinces of Pakistan and differ in geographical region. The standard cultivars such as Sindhri, Samar Bahisht (S.B) Chaunsa and Sufaid Chaunsa, have been approved by Punjab Seed Council, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Experimental materials were collected in compliance with the institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation.

2.2. Genomic DNA (gDNA) Extraction and Analysis

Total genomic DNA (gDNA) was generated from 4-5 young fully expanding leaves of each cultivar. The gDNA extraction was performed using the dried ground leaves of seedlings using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol with minor modification. The quality of gDNA was evaluated by loading 15 ng DNA of each genotype on 0.8% agarose gel prepared in IX TBE buffer and stained with ethidium bromide (10 ng/100 ml). Samples showing intact bands were selected to use for further study. The DNA concentration and purity of each cultivar was determined using a Nano Drop® ND-1000 spectrophotometer by estimating absorbance (OD_260/280). Intact gDNA bands were marked for further SSR-PCR. The gDNA was stored at − 20 °C.

2.3. Search for Mango Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Choice of PCR Primers

SSR markers were selected from the reference databases [33,40,41,42]. A total of 50 pairs of highly polymorphic SSR primers with different amplification bands among ‘Sufaid Chaunsa’, ‘Sindhri’, and S.B. Chaunsa ’and‘ Azeem Chaunsa′ were selected for cultivar identification (Table 1). The amplification efficiency of the selected SSR markers was evaluated using SSR-PCR.

2.4. PCR Amplification and SSR Fragment Analysis

PCR was completed with all 50 SSR primers pairs and 200 samples of variety used in this study. PCR was performed 25μL reaction volumes containing 12μL of 2x Green PCR master mix, 0.6 uM forward and reverse primers (approximately 25 ng of gDNA), and 50ng of gDNA as a template. Amplification was performed in a Thermal cycler (eppendorf Mastercycler gradient). The Mastercycler was programmed to pre-denaturation step of 94°C for 5 min followed by 35 cycles of denaturation 94°C for 30 sec, approximately annealing 55-60°C for 1 min (varied with Tm of different primers) and 72°C for 1 min followed by a final synthesis at 72 °C for 5 min. The reactions were then held at 4 °C. Amplifications were performed for twice and only reproducible products were considered for further data analysis.

2.5. Denaturing Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE)

In order to explore genetic polymorphism, 3μL of denatured SSR-PCR mixture was resolved on 6% Polyacrylamide (19:1 acrylamide: bis-acrylamide) Gel Electrophoreses (PAGE) (for high resolution). The 50bp DNA ladder (Fermentas, USA) was used as a molecular size marker. The amplified bands were visualized by silver nitrate staining in an ethidium bromide solution as described [37]. The gel profile was photographed under UV light as digital images using a gel documentation and analysis system.

2.6. Band Recording DATA Analysis for DNA Fingerprinting

The binary data matrices obtained from SSR markers were processed at DN fingerprinting level. The presence of band will be scored as 1, whereas the absence will be scored as 0. The binary data matrix will be used for dendrogram construction. Cluster analysis was performed on the similarity coefficient matrix. The Jaccard similarity matrix was used for cluster analysis using Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic average (UPGMA)[43] into Numerical Taxonomy System of Multivariate Programs (NTSyspc) (version 2.10e) software package [44]. Exact size of DNA fragment was recorded for each variety and primer. The distinct bands are identified and labeled as DNA fingerprints.

2.6. Staistical Analysis

The amplified SSR bands resulting from the SSR-PCR were summarized as graphical representations using R-language (version 3.1.1, software version 3.5.1)[45].

3. Results

3.1. Genetic Amplification of Mango Cultivars using SSR Markers

A total of 50 pairs of polymorphic SSR markers were selected to process two hundred leaf samples of DNA from each standard cultivar and candidate mango line ‘Azeem Chaunsa’ as templates (Table 1). The polymorphic SSR marker primers were selected to amplify and distinguish bands for screening. Out of 50 polymorphic SSR primers, 47 primers pairs amplified 82 SSR fragments from the candidate Azeem Chaunsa. Similarly 49 primers set amplified a total of 105 SSR fragments in Sufaid Chaunsa genome. The 41 primers amplified 62 polymorphic bands in Sindhri, and each primer pair amplified an average of 1.5 polymorphic fragments. The 41 primers amplified 70 polymorphic bands in S.B Chaunsa, and each primer pair amplified an average of 1.7 polymorphic fragments. A total of 319 DNA fragments were obtained across all genotypes using the 50 SSR primers. A set of 34 SSR primers showed amplification in all cultivars. Similarly, 40 common fragments were amplified in all cultivars (Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Table 2)

Out of fifty primers of polymorphic SSR markers, only 47 primers showed amplification in Azeem Chaunsa, 41 primers showed amplification in Sindhri and SB Chaunsa. The highest efficiency of primers observed in Sufaid Chaunsa (Figure 1).

Seven SSR marker showed highest amplification of fragments in all cultivars; MiSHRS-48, MGDSSR11, MGDSSR34, MillHR21, mMiCIR016, mMiCIR030, and MIAC251-1. Some SSR marker primers showed very low amplification of fragments: MillHR20a and AJ635178 (Table 2).

3.2. Distribution of Unique SSRs with Polymorphism

The 50 SSR primer pairs generated a total of 154 alleles with an average of 3.08 alleles per primer pair in all cultivars of Mango. Out of 154 alleles, 130 were found polymorphic alleles. The highest allele size range was observed in following SSR markers: mMiCIRO18, MGDSSR11, MillHR21, MITGg62, MICA231-1, MICA235, MIGA2O3, MIAC251-1, and AJ635164. The highest number of alleles was generated by SSR markers in mango cultivars: mMiCIRO18, MiSHRS-48, MGDSSR5, MGDSSR34, mMiCIR030, and MICA231-1. The highest number of polymorphic alleles was mMiCIRO18, MiSHRS-48, MGDSSR5, mMiCIR030, and MICA231-1 (Table 3). The highest rate of polymorphism generated by following SSR markers: mMiCIRO18, MGDSSR5, mMiCIR030, and MICA231-1 (Table 3).

3.3. SSR Fingerprinting/ Allelic Diversity

Four mango cultivars were DNA fingerprinted. The SSR profiling of highly diverse candidate line Azeem Chaunsa cultivar exhibited polymorphism using 50 SSR markers. Out of 50 SSR, 47 SSR primer pairs yielded strong amplification in candidate cultivar. The allele size varied from 90 bp in MIAC-4 to 700 bp in MIAC251-1 in Azeem Chaunsa cultivar. The number of alleles per marker varied from 1 (LMMA1F) to 4 (MGDSSR34, MillHR21).

In total, 82 SSR alleles were amplified in the candidate line Azeem Chaunsa using 50 SSR markers. Out of 82 SSR alleles, 60 SSR alleles were detected as polymorphic. The SSR alleles of 160 bp, 200 bp (marker name mMiCIRO14), 280 bp (mMiCIRO18), 210 bp (MiSHRS-1), 280 bp (MiSHRS-48), 100 bp (MIAC-4), 390 bp (MIAC-6), 100 bp, 175 bp, 180 bp (MGDSSR34), 230 bp (mMiCIR005), 100 bp (MITGI75), 170 bp of (MITGg62), 320 bp (MICA231-1), 380 bp (MIGA2O3), 190 bp (MillHR20a) were amplified only in Azeem Chaunsa genome. The analysis revealed a total of 60 polymorphic alleles ranging from 1 to 3 per locus, with an average of 1.2 alleles per locus in candidate line (Table 4). However, there are four SSRs i.e. mMiCIRO14, MGDSSR34, MillHR21 and MITGg62 which yielded 3 alleles per locus.

3.5. DNA Fingerprinting Analysis

The genetic relation at DNA fingerprint level among the standard cultivars and candidate line was evaluated using cluster analysis. The cultivar identification diagram (CID) was constructed using UPGMA algorithm for the evaluation of genetic diversity and relatedness among the mango cultivars. CID presenting association among standard cultivars (Sufaid Chaunsa, Sindhri and S.B Chaunsa) based on the phylogenetic relationship using coefficients by NTSYS cluster analysis (Figure 3). Dice similarity coefficients were calculated for the 50 SSR markers, and a UPGMA tree was generated (Figure 3). Cluster I consists of Azeem Chaunsa and further divided into two cultivars, S.B Chaunsa and Sindhri. Cluster II consists of Sufaid Chaunsa. Cluster III consisted of Chenab-Gold. X-axis represents similarity coefficient between genotypes with ranged from 0.49-0.67. CID results concluded that candidate cultivar ‘Azeem Chaunsa’ varied significantly from the standard cultivar Sufaid Chaunsa (46.7% dissimilarity), Sindhri (46.2% dissimilarity) and SB Chaunsa (45% dissimilarity)

4. Discussion

The standard cultivars included in the present study probably represent a major component of the mango gene pool in Pakistan. Further, SSR markers have been broadly used in mango genetic research to differentiate cultivars, hybrids and to evaluate new varieties [23,24,46,47]. The improvement in genetic and agronomic traits for high yield potential in fruit plants is highly based on the proper assessment of diversity analysis. Traditionally used plant morphological, phyto-chemical as well as physio-chemical parameters have not been found to be effective in discrimination of varieties. It needs to warrant more precise techniques. Several methods and molecular techniques have been developed to detect genetic diversity within and among cultivars [48,49,50]. The discovery of molecular marker such as SSRs has improved the productivity and accuracy in classical plant breeding, playing a vital role in molecular diversity studies [51,52,53,54,55]. Systematic mango breeding is laborious, time-consuming and is a long-term endeavor (up to 25 years) due to a highly heterozygous genome as well as long juvenility. Promising selection, introduction, evaluation of cross-breeding progenies and mutational breeding have been widely used to develop mango cultivars, varieties and hybrids [39,56,57,58]. In current study, a mango candidate line was developed and further molecular diversity was analyzed with three standard cultivars using SSR markers. Highly unique, diverase cultivars of mango have been grown in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan as they have a long history of breeding. In mango, variety identification has been greatly challenging. The SSR markers are very sensitive to evaluate hybrid mango lines to identify genetic contamination. Several microsatellite as molecular markers such as SSR have been developed for the Mango [33,40,42]. These markers have shown to be reliable, consistent and reasonably discriminative for use by several laboratories as a mango genotyping tool. SSR markers developed for Mangifera indica have been used recently to evaluate mango varieties in India [33,59,60], China [24,61], Indonesia [62], Pakistan [3,63], Maxico [64] and Japan [23].

In this study, candidate mango ‘Azeem Chaunsa, cultivar in Pakistan was clearly distinguished from standard mango cultivars. In this study, 50 pairs of SSR primers were used for PCR amplifications of different bands in all four mango cultivars (Table 1 and Table 2). Among these primers, 45 pair of primers showed amplification in the candidate line ‘Azeem Chaunsa’ as shown (Figure 1 and Table 2). The highest polymorphic ratio of the SSR primers are associated with the hyper variable nature of the SSR markers[65]. The maximum number of polymorphic bands was obtained by the mMiCIRO18, MiSHRS-48, MGDSSR5, mMiCIR030, mMiCIR030, and MICA231-1 SSR primers (Table 3). MillHR21 and mMiCIR030 primers recorded the highest (twelve) amplified bands. While the lowest (one) numbers of amplified bands was recorded in MillHR20a and AJ635178 (Table 2). The polymorphism ratio of amplified alleles was observed very high, and several unique alleles were identified in the candidate line which provides important basis for subsequent use these primers. These results are in agreement with previous studies on mango [23,24]. The 45 primer pairs generated clear single-locus polymorphic bands and 5 primers pairs yielded monomorphic bands in the candidate line. The 50 SSR primer pairs generated a total of 319 fragments in 4 mango cultivars with an average of 6.38 fragments per primer. Notably, primers MGDSSR1, mMiCIR013, MillHR07a, MillHR20a, AY942826, AJ635178 and AB190349 did not present any polymorphic bands (Table 2 and Table 3).

Generally for UPGMA based cultivar identification and the construction of dendrogram, more than 10 markers were used[66]. Therefore, these highly polymorphic SSR primer pairs can be applied as core primer pairs for variety identification. In this study, DNA fingerprints of the 4 mango cultivars were constructed according to the original data matrix of amplification results (Figure 3). The number of bands produced across 4 mango varieties by different SSR primers is consistent with published reports on microsatellite frequency in the mango genome. Hence, the exportable mango varieties of Pakistan are mostly large >400g fruit weight but not have the small size mango fruits to fetch the high-end market of UK. The fruit of mango cv. Azeem Chaunsa is approximately 250g and grab the market efficiently. Further, the mango fruit has extended shelf life and good on-tree storability for more than four weeks make this cultivar on increasing trend in grabbing more area under its cultivation.

5. Patents

The candidate mango line ‘Azeem Chaunsa’ has been approved by Punjab Seed Council, Lahore as a new variety of mango for commercial cultivation throughout the Punjab.