Genetic diversity assessment and genotype identification in sugarcane based on DNA markers and morphological traits

PERERA, M.F.; ARIAS, M.E.; COSTILLA, D.; LUQUE. A.C.; GARCIA, M.B.; DIAZ ROMERO, C.; RACEDO, J.; OSTENGO, S.; FILIPPONE, M.P.; CUENYA, M.I.; CASTAGNARO A.P.

EUPHYTICA

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2012 p. 1 - 22

0014-2336

Sugarcane is known for its highly complexgenetics and more knowledge is needed for better useand conservation of genetic materials. In order toidentify genotypes and to assess genetic diversity,diverse data sets such as morphological and molecularmarkers are used as a general approach. To evaluate theusefulness of different markers, important sugarcanegenotypes in Argentina were characterized by AFLP,SSR and morphological traits. All genotypes characterizedwere grouped in one main cluster in dendrogramsusing two independent softwares. Interestingly,local genotypes grouped together with USA varietiesand no clear genetic differentiation could be foundprobably due to intensive germplasm exchangebetween these breeding programs. The molecularmarkers tested were useful for genetic diversityassessment as well as for genotype identification.These markers should be included in the internationallyestablished characters for sugarcane variety protectionas they give a better view on whole genomecomplexity. Additionally, genetic similarities obtainedfrom molecular markers will provide more accurateinformation to breeders than the pedigree method,especially when considering the asymmetric geneticinheritance of sugarcane. Morphological traits arevaluable tools to identify genotypes since they reflectexternal resemblance more than genetic relatedness.When they were combined with molecular markers thedendogram obtained revealed genetic relationshipsand the genetic diversity was better estimated. Insummary, both methods appear to be useful, complementingeach other and should be used together toassist sugarcane breeders in estimating genetic diversity,electing parents for crossings, identifying superiorlines and to protect intellectual property rights.