Application of Genetic Markers in Punica granatum Germplasm Research
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.),a species belonging to the family Punicaceae,possesses high nutritive,medical and ornamental value.This review summarized the progresses of genetic markers in pomegranate germplasm research at different levels,including morphology,cytology,biochemistry and DNA molecule.The advantages and disadvantages of genetic markers were analyzed and discussed.Finally,suggestions were given.The application of genetic markers,especially the development of molecular markers,would open up new roads for genetic diversity research,phylogenetic relationship analysis,classification study,cultivars identification,genetic map construction,functional gene location etc.