Abstract
The main target of the present study is the validation of sex-specific markers previously described and the detection of new markers for further use in breeding programs of jojoba in Saudi Arabia. The used molecular approaches included random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), Cleavage-amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). RAPD and ISSR analyses were not useful in determining the sex of jojoba. CAPS with the J888 marker indicated the presence of two new sex-specific SNPs and consequent presence of several sex-specific markers. AFLP analysis successfully resulted in the recovery of several maleand female-specific markers. Whole genome sequencing was also done to detect new and validate already-known sex-specific markers. Use of NUCmer module resulted in no new sex-specific markers. BLAST analysis to validate sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) marker indicated its existence. Analysis of the possible functioning of OGI/MeGI sex determination system in jojoba was not proven. In conclusion, a number of sex-specific markers were detected in jojoba plants growing in Saudi Arabia might help promoting the biofuel production industry in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region as a new approach to be adopted in the near future.