Genetic Relationships of 'Beni-Keitt' to Other Mango Cultivars Using Microsatellite Markers

Recent mango cultivation in Japan is characterized by the cultivation of the single cultivar 'Irwin'. To encourage greater diversity of mango cultivars grown in Japan, we are introducing and evaluating other mango cultivars from abroad. One promising introduction is the cultivar 'Beni-Keitt' that has the potential to satisfy Japanese consumers' preference. However, 'Beni-Keitt's origin and genetic identity are unclear, and it may be a synonym of another cultivar. In order to clarify the identity of 'Beni-Keitt', we have sampled DNA from 90 major cultivars conserved in the Agri-Science Queensland's Australian National Mango Genebank and 'Beni-Keitt' from the Miyazaki Agricultural Research Institute in Japan. Seven microsatellite markers were used to genotype and elucidate genetic relationship among the cultivars. Cluster analysis of the microsatellites alleles identified four major clusters based on cultivar origins; Indian, Floridian and Hawaiian, Southeast Asian and Australian clusters. 'Beni-Keitt' was positioned in a cluster of Floridian and Hawaiian cultivars. Although among these cultivars, no one was identical to 'Beni-Keitt', 14 cultivars shared at least one allele with 'Beni-Keitt' in all seven loci. Most of these were in the Floridian and Hawaiian cluster. The analysis was unable to provide the direct parentage of 'Beni-Keitt' but suggests Floridian and Hawaiian cultivars as likely parents for this cultivar.