Sex determination by molecular markers and micropropagation of Actinidia chinensis

Abstract

In this study, a molecular sex-linked marker was used to determine the sex of 8 kiwifruit plants. In addition, leaf explants with sex determination were used as the original plant material for micropropagation via callus induction, shoot regeneration, and shoot cluster proliferation. The results showed that the sex determination method of Kiwi plants based on molecular markers on the Y chromosome amplified by primer pair
SmY1_F/R successfully identified male Kiwi explant belonging to Actinidia chinensis. In addition, optimal explant surface sterilisation and shoot regeneration were obtained from leaf explants disinfected with 200 ppm silver nanoparticles; meanwhile, the culture medium supplemented with 20% coconut water was suitable for the highest efficiency of shoot cluster proliferation.