Preliminary Study of Diversity of Plukenetia volubilis Based on the Morphological and Genetic Characteristics

The aim of this study was to make an initial step in clarification of morphological diversity of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), a traditional oilseed crop, together with use of ISSR primers for a preliminary assessment of genetic variability in the species. Quantitave and qualitative morphological data together with leaf samples for twenty plant individuals of sacha inchi from five distinct populations were gathered in three different communities neighbouring the city of Pucallpa in Peru. Morphological data were processed into PCA analysis graph while for DNA analysis the method of fingerprinting processed into PCO graph and dendrogram was used. Visible morphological dissimilarities in the plant appearance were confirmed and observable differences in phenotypical characteristics among different types of associated cultivations were recorded. For genetic variability twelve from eighteen ISSR primers used and tested in the study could be used directly for further molecular pursuit on this species. Dendrogram with six main clusters was created and thus confirmed polymorphism as allogamy plants shows. Obtained results contributed to the identification of suitable method for further assessment of genetic variability within this species. New horizons for the focus of further research and improvements in onward development and genetic conservation of sacha inchi cultivation were identified, thus linking the observation of morphological features with DNA analysis proved as effective.