Analysis of molecular variability of “Tahiti” acid lime selections

The 'Tahiti' acid lime (Citrus latifolia Tan.) is one of the main fruit trees produced in Brazil, but its triploid nature poses challenges for the genetic improvement of the crop. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize selections of 'Tahiti' acid lime plants by quantifying DNA methylation and genetic differentiation using microsatellite markers, in order to support work on the conservation and genetic improvement of the crop. We used 12 plants considered to be mutants, previously selected for their distinct biometric characteristics. After extracting the genomic DNA, molecular analyses were carried out to measure the relative quantification of global methylation between the individuals. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with 12 treatments and 4 replications. Post-hoc analysis of the data was carried out using the Tukey test at 5%. Molecular analysis was then carried out using 12 pairs of microsatellite molecular markers. Differences were observed in the DNA methylation patterns between the treatments evaluated, especially treatments 3 and 9, which showed absorbance values of 0.621 and 0.266 nm, respectively. With regard to the analysis with microsatellite markers, it was possible to amplify 19 bands, but all were monomorphic, indicating that the different phenotypes observed may be due to alterations in the epigenome of these plants.