Introduction - Genomics of Cultivated Palms - page 5

Figure 1.2 Marker-trait association in coconut mite resistance (Shalini et al. [24] ).

Table 1.4 Status and Purpose of Genomic Resources in Palms

Crop Transcrip-

tomics

Proteomics RAPD

Markers

SSR Markers QTL Mapping

Arecanut Nil Nil Clonal fidelity Diversity Nil

Coconut Endosperm

tissues

Nil Diversity,

mite, LYD
resistance

Diversity,
mite, LYD
resistance

Seedling traits,
cuticular wax,
nut yield, fruit
components

Oil palm Fatty acid

biosyn-
thesis

Nil Diversity, shell

thickness

Diversity,
linkage

Yield, shell
thickness, oil
quality

Date palm Nil Seed

germination,
fungal
colonization

Diversity Diversity Nil

in the seedlings is important, as the plants enter the reproductive stage after 10-12
years. Powerful DNA markers [27] can be used to identify the sex of the palms at
the seedling stage. Undertaking marker-trait association studies on palms is the first
step in developing genomic kits for use by farmers and nurserymen. In the following
chapters, details are given for important traits in individual palms, such as sex, yield,
quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors. The status and purpose of
genomic resources in different palms are listed in Table 1.4 .

1.5 Molecular Cloning and Transgenics

Apart from the partial sequences of importance in phylogeny and evolution, molecular
cloning of the principal genes governing important traits of palms has been attempted
in palms. An important gene in coconut SERK (somatic embryogenesis receptor
kinase) [28] that determines the plant's ability to regenerate via tissue culture is cloned