SFB-basedS-haplotyping of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) with DHPLC

Most cultivars that belong to the Rosaceae are self-incompatible and depend on cross-pollination. The pollen donor and pollen recipient have to flower synchronously and must be genetically compatible. Genetic compatibility is governed by the S-locus, which holds the S-RNase and S-haplotype-specific F-Box (SFB) genes. Thus, the S-genotype of cultivars is an important feature and is characterized molecularly by the S-RNase and SFB alleles which are distinctive for each S-haplotype. Here, we report the usage of DNA chromatography (denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography - DHPLC) for identifying the S-genotypes of European apricots on the basis of their SFB alleles. DHPLC is amenable to high-throughput automation, and therefore is valuable for breeding and for high-quality plant typing in the nursery.