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Abstract

Genetic diversity in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) was studied using molecular markers on a local (Iranian) and one imported cultivars. Several buffers, were initially employed and tested to select for the most suitable extraction buffer for seed, leaf stem bark, pollen, pistils and flower buds of Siah Mashhad variety. Results indicated that agents such as Polyvinyl- Polypyrolidone (PVPP) were not abel to prevent phenolic comound activity and thus no protein bands appeared on polyacrylamid gel. Moreover different plant tissues, displayed different protein and phenolic activities. As a whole, stem bark followed by pollen and leaf, gave better protein activity response to the electrophoresis. Moreover, since bark was available at different times of the year, it was chosen as proper for genetic studies. Both statistical analysis, using Dice procedure, and comparison of the results with morphological characters, indicated that Mashhad, and Siah Mashhad, are genetically different cultivars despite their similarity in name and in fruit color.

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