Comparison of RFLP and RAPD markers to estimating genetic relationships within and among cruciferous species

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers are being used widely for evaluating genetic relationships of crop germplasm. Differences in the properties of these two markers could result in different estimates of genetic relationships among some accessions. Nuclear RFLP markers detected by genomic DNA and cDNA clones and RAPD markers were compared for evaluating genetic relationships among 18 accessions from six cultivated Brassica species and one accession from Raphanus sativus. Based on comparisons of genetic-similarity matrices and cophenetic values, RAPD markers were very similar to RFLP markers for estimating intraspecific genetic relationships; however, the two marker types gave different results for interspecific genetic relationships. The presence of amplified mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA fragments in the RAPD data set did not appear to account for differences in RAPD- and RFLP-based dendrograms. However, hybridization tests of RAPD fragments with similar molecular weights demonstrated that some fragments, scored as identical, were not homologous. In all these cases, the differences occurred at the interspecific level. Our results suggest that RAPD data may be less reliable than RFLP data when estimating genetic relationships of accessions from more than one species.     

Molecular characterization can quantify and partition variation among genebank holdings: a case study with phenotypically similar accessions of Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (cabbage) `Golden Acre'

To better characterize and conserve crop genetic resources, the assessment of genetic identity, relatedness, and structure among entries and collections becomes a priority. In the present study, a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay was applied as a quick, cost-effective, and preliminary screen to quantify and partition the molecular variation among accessions. Fourteen phenotypically uniform accessions of Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (cabbage) similarly designated as `Golden Acre' were tested with nine decamer oligonucleotide primers. These amplifications generated 110 fragments, of which 80 were polymorphic ranging in size from 370 to 1720 bp. The 80 polymorphic fragments were sufficient to distinguish between all 14 accessions. Data based on the partitioning of variation among accessions indicated that `Golden Acre' entries could be reduced to as few as four groups, with the potential loss of variation being only 4.6% of the absolute current genetic variation in those holdings as estimated from RAPD analysis. This proposed grouping would concurrently save approximately 70% [$750–1000 (US) per accession] for each cycle of regeneration (approximately 20–25 years at most) which alternatively could then be used for other priorities in B. oleracea conservation and use. This case represents but one example where targeted use of a molecular-marker assay linked with rigorous statistical analysis will be useful for plant genebank management, particularly for questions at the intraspecific level. Molecular markers will provide genebank curators with additional sources of information to better plan and organize collection holdings and use finite financial support in a more effective manner. Received: 10 June 1996 / Accepted: 23 August 1996     

RAPD Variation Among North Vietnamese <Emphasis Type="Italic">Flemingia macrophylla</Emphasis> (Willd.) Kuntze ex Merr. accessions

Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Kuntze ex Merr., a multi-purpose legume with potential as dry-season forage crop, mainly occurs in subhumid to humid environments of tropical and subtropical Asia. Despite increasing interest in conservation of germplasm suitable for low-input production systems information on the genetic diversity of F. macrophylla is extremely scarce. The creation of baseline data is supposed to contribute to more efficient conservation management and to identify collecting strategies of novel germplasm. Random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) markers were used to investigate the genetic variation among 37 F. macrophylla accessions. Germplasm analysed in this study originated from Bac Kan province, Northeast Vietnam. Eight primers generated a total of 47 amplified RAPD loci of which 38 were polymorphic. Jaccard’s similarity coefficients among accessions ranged from 0.069 to 1 with a mean of 0.67. The UPGMA dendrogram revealed three clusters along with three outliers. No correspondence between geographic and genetic distance was found (Mantel test: R = 0.21; P = 0.016). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant (P < 0.001) differentiation between accessions collected in lowland and upland regions. Results of UPGMA clustering were confirmed by the pattern of principle coordinates analysis (PCO) plotting. Future collecting strategies should target populations at large distances and along the altitudinal range. Ex situ conservation should encompass those accessions that showed genetic divergence. In situ conservation may consist of establishing a system of interconnected population fragments to guarantee continuing genetic exchange via corridors and of rehabilitating degraded habitats.     

Application of random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter-simple sequence repeat markers in the genus Crataegus

Hawthorn ( Crataegus spp.) has a long history as an ornamental and a source of medicine. We report the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to determine genetic relationships in the genus Crataegus . Twenty-eight accessions, including eight species ( Crataegus pinnatifida , Crataegus bretschneideri , Crataegus maximowiczii , Crataegus kansuensis , Crataegus altaica , Crataegus songarica , Crataegus dahurica and Crataegus sanguinea ) and two botanical varieties ( C. pinnatifida var. major and C. maximowiczii var. ninganensis ) were analysed. Twelve RAPD primers reproducibly and strongly amplified 128 fragments of which 116 were polymorphic; similarly, 13 ISSR primers generated 127 products of which 119 were polymorphic. Dendrograms based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average analysis were constructed from both the RAPD and the ISSR data. Similarity coefficient based on RAPD and ISSR markers ranged from 0.22 to 0.98 and 0.23 to 0.98, respectively. The range in similarity coefficient indicated that the genus has a high level of genetic diversity. The Mantel test on the similarity matrices produced by RAPD and ISSR markers gave r  = 0.86, showing high correlation between RAPD and ISSR markers in their ability to detect genetic relationships between Crataegus accessions. RAPD and ISSR appear to be reliable methods for the analysis of genetic relationships among hawthorns.     

Assessment of genetic variation within Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) germplasm using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers

Genetic diversity among 45 Indian mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) genotypes comprising 37 germplasm collections, five advance breeding lines and three improved cultivars was investigated at the DNA level using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Fifteen primers used generated a total of 92 RAPD fragments, of which 81 (88%) were polymorphic. Of these, 13 were unique to accession 'Pak85559'. Each primer produced four to nine amplified products with an average of 6.13 bands per primer. Based on pairwise comparisons of RAPD amplification products, Nei and Li's similarity coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationships among the accessions. Pairwise similarity indices were higher among the oilseed accessions and cultivars showing narrow ranges of 0.77-0.99. An unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages cluster analysis based on these genetic similarities placed most of the collections and oilseed cultivars close to each other, showing a low level of polymorphism between the accessions used. However, the clusters formed by oilseed collections and cultivars were comparatively distinct from that of advanced breeding lines. Genetically, all of the accessions were classified into a few major groups and a number of individual accessions. Advanced breeding lines were relatively divergent from the rest of the accessions and formed independent clusters. Clustering of the accessions did not show any pattern of association between the RAPD markers and the collection sites. A low level of genetic variability of oilseed mustard was attributed to the selection for similar traits and horticultural uses. Perhaps close parentage of these accessions further contributed towards their little diversity. The study demonstrated that RAPD is a simple and fast technique to compare the genetic relationship and pattern of variation among the gene pool of this crop.     

A comparison of RAPD and isozyme analyses for determining the genetic relationships among Avena sterilis L. accessions

Isozyme analysis is a valuable tool for determining genetic relationships among breeding lines and populations. The recently developed DNA technologies which can assay a greater proportion of the plant genome are providing a plentiful array of additional genomic markers. The objective of this research was to compare random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) versus isozyme-based estimation of relationships among 24 accessions of a hexaploid wild oat, Avena sterilis L. The accessions were evaluated for variation in 23 enzyme systems and by 21 10-mer primers. A total of 77 polymorphic isozyme bands and 115 polymorphic RAPD bands were observed. Two matrices of genetic distances were estimated based on band presence/ absence. These matrices were subsequently utilized in cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis. Both isozymes and RAPDs were proficient at distinguishing between the 24 accessions. The correspondence between the elements of both distance matrices was moderate (r=0.36**). Nevertheless, the overall representation of relationships among accessions by cluster analysis and ordination was in considerable agreement. The two techniques contrasted most notably in pair-by-pair comparisons of relationships. RAPD analysis resulted in a more definitive separation of clusters of accessions. The most significant impact of the DNA-based markers probably will be the more accurate determination of relationships between accessions that are too close to be accurately differentiated by isozymes.The research reported in this publication was funded by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, and by a Heisenberg Fellowship (HE 1497/3-2) provided by the German Research Council to Manfred Heun     

Variation among and within Capsicum species revealed by RAPD markers

 Germplasm characterization is an important link between the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. A total of 134 accessions from six Capsicumspecies maintained at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center were characterized using 110 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Ten pairs of potentially duplicated accessions were identified. Multidimensional scaling analysis of the genetic distances among accessions resulted in clustering corresponding to a previous species assignment except for six accessions. Diagnostic RAPDs were identified which discriminate among the Capsicumspecies. The diagnostic markers were employed for improved taxonomic identification of accessions since many morphological traits used in the identification of Capsicumare difficult to score. Three Capsicumaccessions, misclassified based on morphological traits, were reassigned species status based on diagnostic RAPDs. Three accessions, not previously classified, were assigned to a species based on diagnostic RAPDs. Definitive conclusions about the species assignment of three other accessions were not possible. The level of diversity between Capsicum annuumaccessions from the genebank and the breeding program were compared and no differences were observed either for RAPD variation or diversity. The utilization of genetic resources as a source of variance for useful traits in the breeding program may be the reason for the similarity of these two groups. Received: 1 September 1998 / Accepted: 28 December 1998     

Genetic relationships and variation among ecotypes of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA markers.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic relationships and variation among ecotypes of the turfgrass seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz). Vegetative tissues or seeds of 46 seashore paspalum ecotypes were obtained from various locations in the United States, Argentina, and South Africa. Leaf DNA extracts were screened for RAPD markers using 34 10-mer random primers. A total of 195 reproducible RAPD fragments were observed, with an average of six fragments per primer. One hundred and sixty-nine fragments (87% of the total observed) were polymorphic, among which 27 fragments (16%) were present in three or less ecotypes, indicating the occurrence of a high level of genetic variation among the examined accessions of this species. Cluster analysis (UPGMA) and principal coordinates analysis were performed on the RAPD data set. The results illustrate genetic relationships among the 46 ecotypes, and between ecotypes and their geographical origins. Ecotypes from southern Africa could be differentiated from the U.S. and most of the Argentinean ecotypes. With a few exceptions, ecotypes collected from Argentina, Hawaii, Florida, and Texas were separated into distinct clusters.     

RAPD polymorphisms in spring wheat cultivars and lines with different level of Fusarium resistance

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers have been used to characterize the genetic diversity among 35 spring wheat cultivars and lines with different levels of Fusarium resistance. The objectives of this study were to determine RAPD-based genetic similarity between accessions and to derive associations between Fusarium head blight (FHB) and RAPD markers. Two bulked DNA from either highly resistant lines or susceptible lines were used to screen polymorphic primers. Out of 160 screened primers, 17 primers generated reproducible and polymorphic fragments. Genetic similarity calculated from the RAPD data ranged from 0.64 to 0.98. A dendrogram was prepared on the basis of a similarity matrix using the UPGMA algorithm, which corresponded well with the results of principal component analysis and separated the 35 genotypes into two groups. Association analysis between RAPD markers and the FHB index detected three RAPD markers, H19(1000), F2(500) and B1(2400), significantly associated with FHB-resistant genotypes. These results suggest that a collection of unrelated genotypes can be used to identify markers linked to an agronomically important quantitative trait like FHB. These markers will be useful for marker-assistant breeding and can be used as candidate markers for further gene mapping and cloning.     

Relationships among <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leymus</Emphasis> species assessed by RAPD markers

The DNA genetic diversity of 40 accessions of genus Leymus was analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 352 products were amplified by 34 10-mer arbitrary primers, among which 337 products (95.74 %) were found to be polymorphic. 5–14 polymorphic bands were amplified by each polymorphic primer, with an average of 9.91 bands. The data of 352 RAPD bands were used to generate Jaccard’s similarity coefficients and to construct a dendrogram by means of UPGMA. Great genetic diversity in genus Leymus was observed, the genetic diversity among the different species more abundant than that of the different accessions, and the different accessions in a species or the species from the same areas were clustered together.     

Genetic fingerprinting of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and its wild relatives using RAPD markers

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used for the identification of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] cultivars and their related wild species. The use of single primers of arbitrary nucleotide sequence resulted in the selective amplification of DNA fragments that were unique to individual accessions. The level of polymorphism among the wild species was extremely high, while little polymorphism was detected within Cajanus cajan accessions. All of the cultivars and wild species under study could be easily distinguished with the help of different primers, thereby indicating the immense potential of RAPD in the genetic fingerprinting of pigeonpea. On the basis of our data the genetic relationship between pigeonpea cultivars and its wild species could be established.NCL Communication No. 6062     

Identification of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook F & Thomas using RAPD markers

Identified germplasm is an important component for efficient and effective management of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, plant identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit, floral morphology like flower colour and other characteristics of the plant. Studies were undertaken for identification and genetic variation within 15 clones of Tinospora cordifolia through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Analysis was made using forty decamer primers. Out of them, 15 primers were selected and used for identification and genetic relationships within 15 clones. A total of 138 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.2 to 3.2 kb were amplified using 15 selected random primers. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of presence or absence of bands. The genetic distance was very close within the clones. Thus, these RAPD markers have the potential for identification of species and characterization of genetic variation within the population. This study will be helpful to know the genetic background of the medicinal plants with high commercial value, and also provides a major input into conservation biology.     

Pathogenic and molecular characterisations of pigeonpea wilt pathogen Fusarium udum

Thirty two pathogenic isolates of Fusarium udum from different pigeonpea growing areas in India were studied for pathogenic and molecular variability. Pathogenic variability was tested on 12 pigeonpea differential genotypes, which revealed prevalence of five variants in F. udum. The amount of genetic variation was evaluated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification with 20 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and nine microsatellite markers. All amplifications revealed scorable polymorphisms among the isolates, and a total of 137 polymorphic fragments were scored for the RAPD markers and 16 alleles for the simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. RAPD primers showed 86% polymorphism. Genetic similarity was calculated using Jaccard's similarity coefficient and cluster analysis was used to generate a dendrogram showing relationships between them. Isolates could be grouped into three subpopulations based on molecular analysis. Results indicated that there is high genetic variability among a subpopulation of F. udum as identified by RAPD and SSR markers and pathogenicity on differential genotypes.     

Identification of cultivars and validation of genetic relationships in Mangifera indica L. using RAPD markers

Twenty-five accessions of mango were examined for random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genetic markers with 80 10-mer random primers. Of the 80 primers screened, 33 did not amplify, 19 were monomorphic, and 28 gave reproducible, polymorphic DNA amplification patterns. Eleven primers were selected from the 28 for the study. The number of bands generated was primer- and genotype-dependent, and ranged from 1 to 10. No primer gave unique banding patterns for each of the 25 accessions; however, ten different combinations of 2 primer banding patterns produced unique fingerprints for each accession. A maternal half-sib (MHS) family was included among the 25 accessions to see if genetic relationships could be detected. RAPD data were used to generate simple matching coefficients, which were analyzed phenetically and by means of principal coordinate analysis (PCA). The MHS clustered together in both the phenetic and the PCA while the randomly selected accessions were scattered with no apparent pattern. The uses of RAPD analysis for Mangifera germ plasm classification and clonal identification are discussed.     

Analysis of genetic relationships among perennial and annual Cicer species growing in Turkey using RAPD markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments were used to assess genetic relationships among Cicer spp. growing in Turkey. Seven 10-mer primers selected from a 50 random oligonucleotide primer set, depending on their ability to amplify genomic DNA in all species, were used to detect RAPD variation in 43 wild and cultivated accessions representing ten species. These primers yielded 95 reproducible amplification products, 92 of which were polymorphic. Pairwise genetic distances of accessions estimated according to Nei and Li (1979) were used to produce a dendrogram using UPGMA. The dendrogram contained two main clusters, one of which comprised accessions of the four perennial species (Cicer montbretii, Cicer isauricum, Cicer anatolicum and Cicer incisum) together with the accessions of the three annual species (Cicer pinnatifidum, Cicer judaicum and Cicer bijugum), and the other cluster included the remaining three annual species (Cicer echinospermum, Cicer reticulatum and Cicer arietinum). Analysis of RAPD variation showed that C. incisum is the most similar perennial species to annuals, and C. reticulatum is the closest annual species to chickpea. These results generally agree with our allozyme study which was carried out using same Cicer collection and previous studies of relationships among annual species. The results also show that RAPD markers can be used to distinguish Cicer species and to survey genetic variation and relationships among taxonomic units in this genus.     

WHBE 兔、日本大耳白兔和新西兰兔遗传多样性的 RAPD 分析

目的：应用随机引物扩增多态性DNA技术（ random amplified polymorphic DNA , RAPD）对大耳白黑眼兔（ white hair black eyes rabbit , WHBE rabbit ）、日本大耳白兔（ Japanese white rabbit , JW rabbit ）和新西兰兔（New Zealand white rabbit, NZW rabbit）3个实验兔品系进行遗传分析。方法选用90只实验兔的皮肤组织样品提取基因组DNA,用60个随机引物对实验兔基因组DNA进行PCR扩增,根据电泳结果筛选出多态性较高的引物进行RAPD-PCR分析,再利用Popgene 3．2统计软件对3个品系的扩增条带进行遗传分析,获得实验数据。结果分析结果表明：（1）60个随机引物中筛选出25个多态性较高的引物,3个品系实验兔共检测到493个扩增片段,长度在100～1800 bp之间,筛选的25个引物中,其中16个引物既可扩增出3个品系共同的DNA条带,也可扩增出WHBE兔特有的特征条带;（2） WHBE兔位点数为234个,其中多态位点数166个,多态位点比为70．94％,JW兔位点数为228个,其中多态位点数122个,多态位点比为53．51％,NZW兔位点数为231个,其中多态位点数94个,多态位点比为40．69％;（3）三个群体的Shannon多样性指数分别为0．3385,0．2222和0．1905;（4） JW兔和NZW兔的遗传相似系数最高,为0．8443,其次为WHBE兔和JW兔的遗传相似系数,为0．8204,WHBE兔和NZW兔的遗传相似系数最低,为0．7862。结论结果表明WHBE兔与JW兔和NZW兔之间有遗传的相似性,也存在着遗传差异,应用RAPD技术可以很好地检测实验兔不同品系之间以及同一品系不同个体之间的亲缘关系。     

RAPD Profiling in Detecting Genetic Variation in Endemic Coelonema (Brassicaceae) of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to measure genetic diversity of Coelonema draboides (Brassicaceae), a genus endemic to the Qilian Mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We sampled 90 individuals in 30 populations of Coelonema draboides from Datong and Huzhu counties of Qinghai Province in P.R. China. A total of 186 amplified bands were scored from the 14 RAPD primers, with a mean of 13.3 amplified bands per primer, and 87% (161 bands) polymorphic bands (PPB) was found. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that a large proportion of genetic variation (84.2%) resides among individuals within populations, while only 15.8% resides among populations. The species shows higher genetic diversity between individuals than other endemic and endangered plants. The RAPDs provide a useful tool for assessing genetic diversity of rare, endemic species and for resolving relationships among populations. The results show that the genetic diversity of this species is high, possibly allowing it to adapt more easily to environmental variations. The main factor responsible for the high level of differentiation within populations and the low level of diversity among populations is probably the outcrossing and long-lived nature of this species. Some long-distance dispersal, even among far separated populations, is also a crucial determinant for the pattern of genetic variation in the species. This distributive pattern of genetic variation of C. draboides populations provides important baseline data for conservation and collection strategies for the species. It is suggested that only populations in different habitats should be studied and protected, not all populations, so as to retain as much genetic diversity as possible.     

Identification and analysis of genetic variation among rose cultivars using random amplified polymorphic DNA

Identified germplasm is an important component for efficient and effective management of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, cultivars or species identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit or floral morphology like flower colour and other characteristics of the plant. Studies were undertaken for identification and analysis of genetic variation within 34 rose cultivars through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Analysis was made by using twenty five decamer primers. Out of twenty five, ten primers were selected and used for identification and analysis of genetic relationships among 34 rose cultivars. A total of 162 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.1 to 3.4 kb was amplified by using 10 selected random decamer primers. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of presence or absence of bands. The cluster analysis indicated that the 34 rose cultivars form 9 clusters. The first cluster consists of eight hybrid cultivars, three clusters having five cultivars each, one cluster having four cultivars, two clusters having three cultivars each and two clusters having one cultivar each. The genetic distance was very close within the cultivars. Thus, these RAPD markers have the potential for identification of clusters and characterization of genetic variation within the cultivars. This is also helpful in rose breeding programs and provides a major input into conservation biology.     

Differentiation of nearly identical germplasm accessions by a combination of molecular and morphologic analyses

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to study the extent of redundancy (duplication of genetic materials) within a genetic resources collection. Nine nearly phenotypically and identical accessions of butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were assayed for their genetic identities. A nonuniform, heterogeneous butterhead line and a crisphead cultivar were added for population comparison. PCR amplification using 13 oligonucleotide primers generated 93 polymorphic bands. The percentage of segregating bands was used to determine within-line variation; values ranged from 0.0 to 12.0%, except for the nonuniform line at 22.6%. Between-line similarity was measured using similarity coefficients and ranged from 0.919 to 0.985. The relationship between the crisphead accession and a composite of all butterhead accessions was 0.84. Selfed progeny of each line were measured for morphological uniformity. The variation obtained from these biological data was compared with variation detected at the DNA level and each was positively correlated. Results demonstrate that RAPD analyses may serve as a major source of information for separation of closely related accessions, especially when integrated with phenotypic measures.     

Genetic and geographic variation of bulbous barley (Hordeum bulbosum L.) assessed by rapd markers

Estimated the genetic relationships among 21 barley accessions from 17 bulbous barley (H. bulbosum L.), 4 cultivated barley (H. vulgare L.) collected from different part of Turkey were investigated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Eleven informative primers amplified 111 markers of which 98 (89.8%) were polymorphic. A dendogram was constructed using the UPGMA method based on the RAPD markers. The range of genetic similarity was from 0.111 to 0.815. The accessions were grouped into two main clusters based on the molecular data. The H. vulgare and H. bulbosum separated into two groups in the Principle Component Analysis.