Use of AFLP and RAPD molecular genetic markers and cytogenetic analysis for the elucidation of the relationships between taxa of Patagonian Bromus setifolius complex.

A.M. GARCIA, G.E. SCHRAUF, G. GONZALEZ, L. POGGIO, C.A. NARANJO, M.P. DUPAL, G.C. SPANGENBERG AND J.W. FORSTER

GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

SOC BRASIL GENETICA

Lugar: Brasil; Año: 2009 vol. 32 p. 312 - 319

1415-4757

Bromus setifolius var. pictus (Hook) Skottsb., B. setifolius var. setifolius Presl. and B. setifolius var. brevifolius Ness are three native Patagonian taxa in the section Pnigma Dumort of the genus Bromus L. AFLP and RAPD analysis, in conjunction with genetic distance measurements and statistical techniques, revealed variation within this group and indicated that B. setifolius var. brevifolius was closely related to B. setifolius var. pictus, with both taxa being moredistantly related to B. setifolius var. setifolius. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed the chromosomal number of B.setifolius var. pictus (2n = 70) and B. setifolius var. setifolius (2n = 28) and showed for the first time that B. setifolius var. brevifolius had 2n = 70. The combination of molecular genetic and cytogenetic evidence supported a species status for two of the three taxa and suggested hypotheses for the evolutionary origin of these complex taxa. Speciesstatus was also indicated for B. setifolius var. setifolius. Based on these findings, we suggest that B. setifolius var.pictus be referred to as B. pictus Hook var. pictus, and B. setifolius var brevifolius as B. pictus Hook var brevifolius.The correlation between AFLP diversity and variation in ecological parameters suggested that this marker system could be used to assess breeding progress and to monitor the domestication of Patagonian Bromus species for agronomic use.Key words: AFLP, Argentina, Bromus setifolius complex, cytogenetics, Patagonia, RAPD.