AFLP and pedigree-based genetic diversity estimates in modern cultivars of durum wheat [ Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.

A substantial amount of between and within cultivar genetic variation was detected in all the 13 registered modern Canadian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.) cultivars based upon amplified restriction fragment polymorphism (AFLP). Of the approximately 950 detected AFLP markers, only 89 were polymorphic, with 41 between cultivars whereas the remaining 48 showed polymorphism within at least one cultivar. The ancestry of Canadian durum wheat cultivars was traced back to 125 cultivars, selections, and breeding lines including 17 landraces. Mean pair-wise genetic distance based on the kinship coefficient was 0.76. On the other hand, AFLP-based mean pair-wise genetic distance was 0.40. Even though there was a large difference between the means of the two diversity measures, a moderate positive correlation (r=0.457, p<0.002) was detected between the two distance matrices. Cluster analysis with the entire AFLP data divided all cultivars into three major groups reflecting their breeding origins. One group contained ’Pelissier’ alone, which was a selection from a landrace introduced into the US from Algeria. On the other hand such groupings among cultivars were not evident when KIN was used for genetic diversity measures instead. The level of genetic variation among individuals within a cultivar at the breeders’ seed level was estimated based on an inter-haplotypic distance matrix derived from the AFLP data. We found that the level of genetic variation within the most-developed cultivars is fairly substantial despite rigorous selection pressure aimed at cultivar purity in breeding programs. Comparison of AFLP and pedigree-based genetic diversity estimates in crop species such as durum wheat can provide important information for plant improvement. Received: 26 January 2001 / Accepted: 31 May 2001     

AFLP analysis of genetic diversity within and among Coffea arabica cultivars

Genetic diversity of Coffea arabica cultivars was estimated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Sixty one Coffea accessions composed of six arabica cultivars, including Typica, Bourbon, Catimor, Catuai, Caturra and Mokka Hybrid, plus two diploid Coffea species, were analyzed with six EcoRI- MseI primer combinations. A total of 274 informative AFLP markers were generated and scored as binary data. These data were analyzed using cluster methods in the software package NTSYSpc. The differences among cultivars at the DNA level were small, with an average genetic similarity of 0.933. Most accessions within a cultivar formed a cluster, although deviant samples occurred in five of the six cultivars examined due to residual heterozygosity from ancestral materials. Among the six cultivars fingerprinted, the highest level of genetic diversity was found within the cultivar Catimor, with an average genetic similarity of 0.880. The lowest level was found within Caturra accessions, with an average genetic similarity of 0.993. Diversity between C. arabica and two other Coffea species, Coffea canephora and Coffea liberica, was also estimated with average genetic similarities of 0.540 and 0.413, respectively, suggesting that C. canephora is more closely related to C. arabica than is C. liberica. The genetic variation among arabica cultivars was similar to the variation within cultivars, and no cultivar-specific DNA marker was detected. Although arabica cultivars appear to have a narrow genetic base, our results show that sufficient polymorphism can be found among some arabica cultivars with a genetic similarity as low as 0.767 for genetic/QTL mapping and breeding. The assessment of genetic diversity among arabica cultivars provided the necessary information to estimate the potential for using marker-assisted breeding for coffee improvement.     

A Comparison of AFLP and RAPD Markers for Genetic Diversity and Cultivar Identification in Cotton

AFLP and RAPDmarkers were employed in sixteen diploid cotton (Gossypium sp) cultivars for genetic diversity estimation and cultivar identification. Polymorphism information content (PIC) and percent polymorphism were found to be more for AFLP markers as compared to RAPD markers. Average Jaccard’s genetic similarity index was found to be almost similar using either AFLP or RAPD markers. All the cultivars could be distinguished from one another using AFLP markers and also by the combined RAPD profiles. Cultivar identification indicators like resolving power, marker index and probability of chance identity of two cultivars suggested the usefulness of AFLP markers over the RAPD markers. AFLP and RAPD analyses revealed limited genetic diversity in the studied cultivars. Cluster analysis of both RAPD and AFLP data produced two clusters, one containing cultivars of G. herbaceum and another containing cultivars of G. arboreum species. Highly positive correlation between cophenetic matrices using RAPD and AFLP markers was observed. AFLP markers were found to be more efficient for genetic diversity estimation, polymorphism detection and cultivar identification.     

Evaluation of AFLPs for germplasm fingerprinting and assessment of genetic diversity in cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.).

Cultivated tomato (L. esculentum L.) germplasm exhibits limited genetic variation compared with wild Lycopersicon species. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to evaluate genetic variation among 74 cultivars, primarily from California, and to fingerprint germplasm to determine if cultivar-specific patterns could be obtained. All 74 cultivars were genotyped using 26 AFLP primer combinations; of the 1092 bands scored, 102 AFLP bands (9.3%) were polymorphic. Pair-wise genetic similarity coefficients (Jaccard and Nei-Li) were calculated. Jaccard coefficients varied from 0.16 to 0.98 among cultivar pairs, and 72% of pair-wise comparisons exceeded 0.5. UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averaging) clustering and principle component analysis revealed four main clusters, I-IV; most modern hybrid cultivars grouped in II, whereas most vintage cultivars grouped in I. Clusters III and IV contained three and two cultivars, respectively. Some groups of cultivars closely related by pedigree exhibited high bootstrap values, but lower values (<50%) were obtained for cluster II and its four subgroups. Unique fingerprints for all 74 cultivars were obtained by a minimum of seven AFLP primer pairs, despite inclusion of some closely related cultivars. This study demonstrated that AFLP markers are effective for obtaining unique fingerprints of, and assessing genetic diversity among, tomato cultivars.     

Genetic diversity in colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.) revealed by EcoRI-MseI and PstI-MseI AFLP markers.

Colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.) is a potential source for genetic improvement of resistance to environmental stress and disease for other bentgrass species (Agrostis spp.). To conserve and study the existing genetic resources of colonial bentgrass for use in breeding, genetic diversity was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Included in this study were 22 accessions from US Department of Agriculture germplasm collected from 11 countries, in conjunction with 14 accessions from northern Spain and 3 commercial cultivars. Ten EcoRI-MseI and 6 PstI-MseI AFLP primer combinations produced 181 and 128 informative polymorphic bands, respectively. Cluster analysis of genetic similarity estimates revealed a high level of diversity in colonial bentgrass species with averages of 0.51 (EcoRI-MseI) and 0.63 (PstI-MseI). Greater genetic diversity was detected by the EcoRI-MseI AFLP primer combinations. A low but significant positive correlation (r = 0.44, p = 0.0099) between the 2 Jaccard similarity matrices was obtained by the Mantel test. Commercial cultivars of bentgrass showed a narrow genetic background. The assessment of genetic diversity among colonial bentgrass accessions suggested the potential value of the colonial bentgrass germplasm in turfgrass cultivar improvement.     

Genetic diversity of Carica papaya as revealed by AFLP markers.

Genetic relationships among Carica papaya cultivars, breeding lines, unimproved germplasm, and related species were established using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Seventy-one papaya accessions and related species were analyzed with nine EcoRI-MseI primer combinations. A total of 186 informative AFLP markers was generated and analyzed. Cluster analysis suggested limited genetic variation in papaya, with an average genetic similarity among 63 papaya accessions of 0.880. Genetic diversity among cultivars derived from the same or similar gene pools was smaller, such as Hawaiian Solo hermaphrodite cultivars and Australian dioecious cultivars with genetic similarity at 0.921 and 0.912, respectively. The results indicated that self-pollinated hermaphrodite cultivars were as variable as open-pollinated dioecious cultivars. Genetic diversity between C. papaya and six other Carica species was also evaluated. Carica papaya shared the least genetic similarity with these species, with an average genetic similarity of 0.432; the average genetic similarity among the six other species was 0.729. The results from AFLP markers provided detailed estimates of the genetic variation within and among papaya cultivars, and supported the notion that C. papaya diverged from the rest of Carica species early in the evolution of this genus.     

Genetic relationships of Aglaonema species and cultivars inferred from AFLP markers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Aglaonema is an important ornamental foliage plant genus, but genetic relationships among its species and cultivars have not been reported. This study analysed genetic relatedness of 54 cultivars derived from nine species using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. METHODS: Initially, 48 EcoRI + 2/MseI + 3 primer set combinations were screened, from which six primer sets that showed clear scoreable and highly polymorphic fragments were selected and used for AFLP reactions. AFLP fragments were scored and entered into a binary data matrix as discrete variables. Jaccard's coefficient of similarity was calculated for all pair-wise comparisons among the 54 cultivars, and a dendrogram was constructed by the unweighted pair-group method using the arithmetic average (UPGMA). KEY RESULTS: The number of AFLP fragments generated per primer set ranged from 59 to 112 with fragment sizes varying from 50 to 565 bp. A total of 449 AFLP fragments was detected, of which 314 were polymorphic (70 %). All cultivars were clearly differentiated by their AFLP fingerprints. The 54 cultivars were divided into seven clusters; cultivars within each cluster generally share similar morphological characteristics. Cluster I contains 35 cultivars, most of them are interspecific hybrids developed mainly from A. commutatum, A. crispum or A. nitidum. However, Jaccard's similarity coefficients among these hybrids are 0.84 or higher, suggesting that these popular hybrid cultivars are genetically much closer than previously thought. This genetic similarity may imply that A. nitidum and A. crispum are likely progenitors of A. commutatum. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study demonstrate the efficiency and ease of using AFLP markers for investigating genetic relationships of ornamental foliage plants, a group usually propagated vegetatively. The AFLP markers developed will help future Aglaonema cultivar identification, germplasm conservation and new cultivar development.     

Analysis of genetic similarity detected by AFLP and coefficient of parentage among genotypes of sugar cane ( Saccharum spp.)

Despite the economical importance of sugar cane, until the present-date no studies have been carried out to determine the correlation of the molecular-based genetic similarity (GS) and the coefficient of parentage (f)-estimates generated for cultivars. A comprehensive knowledge of the amount of genetic diversity in parental cultivars, could improve the effectiveness of breeding programmes. In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and pedigree data were used to investigate the genetic relationship in a group of 79 cultivars (interspecific hybrids), used as parents in one of the Brazilian breeding programmes, and four species of Saccharum (Saccharum sinense, Saccharum barberi and two of Saccharum officinarum) . The objectives of this study were to assess the level of genetic similarity among the sugar-cane cultivars and to investigate the correlation between the AFLP-based GS and f, based on pedigree information. Twenty one primer combinations were used to obtain the AFLP molecular markers, generating a total of 2,331 bands, of which 1,121 were polymorphic, with a polymorphism rate, on average, of 50% per primer combination. GSs were determined using Jaccard’s similarity coefficient, and a final dendrogram was constructed using an unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA). AFLP-based GS ranged from 0.28 to 0.89, with a mean of 0.47, whereas f ranged from 0 to 0.503, with a mean of 0.057. Cluster analysis using GS divided the genotypes into related subgroups suggesting that there is important genetic relationship among the cultivars. AFLP-based GS and f were significantly correlated (r = 0.42, P < 0.001), thus the significance of this r value suggests that the AFLP data may help to more-accurately quantify the degree of relationship among sugar-cane cultivars. Received: 27 November 2000 / Accepted: 27 April 2001     

Genetic diversity of Aquilegia (Ranunculaceae) species and cultivars assessed by AFLPs

Species of the genus Aquilegia are exceptionally diverse in their floral morphology and color, commonly known as columbine. They are widely planted ornamentals and are highly attractive for hummingbirds. However, little is known about their genetic diversity. We examined the genetic diversity of the species and cultivars using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Sixteen EcoRI/MseI AFLP primer combinations produced 327 informative polymorphic bands, with a mean of 20.4 bands scored per primer. Jaccard's coefficient of similarity varied from 0.61 to 0.93, indicative of high levels of genetic variation. Cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean algorithm placed the 64 accessions into two main clusters, each divided into two sub-clusters. The AFLP variability was significantly associated with the geographic origins, as the Asian species and the North American species grouped into two distinct clusters. The genetic diversity found among Aquilegia demonstrated the potential value of Chinese germplasm for cultivar improvement and for widening the genetic basis of breeding programs and breeding material selection. We concluded that AFLPs are informative and can provide significant insights for genetic diversity research in columbine species.     

Genetic Variability in Pepper (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> L.) Estimated by Morphological Data and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Markers

Data on genetic similarity among crop cultivars is of vital importance for the plant breeder. The objectives of this study were to group pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes into clusters according to their distances as estimated by morphological traits and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and to assess the relationships between the two. Thirty-nine pepper genotypes obtained from different countries were grown in the greenhouse at University of the Free State, South Africa, during 2001 and 2002 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of 20 different morphological traits were measured and six AFLP primer pairs were used to estimate pairwise genetic distances. Both datasets showed high genetic distances among the different genotypes, indicating high genetic diversity among them. The mean genetic distance among Ethiopian pungent elongated-fruit genotypes, was lower than that between them and the introduced ones. Morphological and AFLP distance estimations generally clustered together genotypes with similar fruit sizes. Significant, positive correlation was observed between morphological and AFLP diversity estimations. The narrow genetic basis among the Ethiopian pungent elongated-fruit cultivars suggests that the pepper breeding program of Ethiopia should focus on enriching its germplasm through local collection and introductions from other parts of the world.     

Genetic relationship among wild,landraces and cultivars of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) from Portugal revealed through ISSR and AFLP markers

The genus Corylus, a member of the birch family Betulaceae, includes several species that are widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This study assesses the genetic diversity in 26 international cultivars and 32 accessions of Corylus avellana L. from Portugal: 13 wild genotypes and 19 landraces. The genetic relationships among the 58 hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) were analyzed using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Eighteen ISSR primers and seven AFLP primer pairs generated a total of 570 unambiguous and repeatable bands, respectively, from which 541 (95.03 %) were polymorphic for both markers. Genetic similarity index values ranged from 0.239 for wild types and cultivars to 0.143 for landraces and wild types. The genetic relationships were presented as a Neighbor-Joining method dendrogram and a two-dimensional principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) plot. The Neighbor-Joining dendrogram showed three main clusters, and the PCoA analysis has shown to be congruent with the hierarchical analysis. Bayesian analysis clustered all individuals into three groups showing a good separation among wild genotypes, landraces and cultivars. The genetic diversity found on wild genotypes and Portuguese landraces may provide relevant information for the diversity conservation and it will be useful in breeding programs and to identify local selections for preservation.     

Diversity of North European oat analyzed by SSR, AFLP and DArT markers

Oat is an important crop in Nordic countries both for feed and human consumption. Maintaining a high level of genetic diversity is essential for both breeding and agronomy. A panel of 94 oat accessions was used in this study, including 24 museum accessions over 100- to 120-year old and 70 genebank accessions from mainly Nordic countries and Germany, covering different breeding periods. Sixty-one polymorphic SSR, 201 AFLP and 1056 DArT markers were used to evaluate the past and present genetic diversity of the Nordic gene pool. Norwegian accessions showed the highest diversity, followed by Swedish and Finnish, with German accessions the least diverse. In addition, the Nordic accessions appeared to be highly interrelated and distinct from the German, reflecting a frequent germplasm exchange and interbreeding among Nordic countries. A significant loss of diversity happened at the transition from landraces and old cultivars to modern cultivars. Modern oat originated from only a segment of the landraces and left the remainder, especially black oat, unused. However, no significant overall diversity reduction was found during modern breeding periods, although fluctuation of diversity indices was observed. The narrow genetic basis of the modern Nordic gene pool calls for increasing genetic diversity through cultivar introduction and prebreeding based on neglected sources like the Nordic black oat.     

Comparative analysis of the genetic diversity dynamics at gliadin loci in the winter common wheat Triticum aestivum L. cultivars developed in Serbia and Italy over 40 years of scientific breeding

The dynamics of genetic transformations at gliadin-coding loci in the winter common wheat cultivars produced in Serbia and Italy over 40 years of scientific breeding was studied. It was demonstrated that a number of alleles unique for the wheat cultivars of each country were substituted with the alleles of a limited number of donor cultivars, in particular, cultivar Bezostaya 1 and its derivatives. On the background of preserved heterogeneity values during various time periods of breeding in each country, the genetic diversity in the total region decreased, as demonstrated by similarity in the sets of alleles of gliadin loci and their frequencies in the modern cultivars of these two Southern European countries. This decrease in the genetic diversity is an erosion of genetic resources within the region, which results in a loss of unique coadapted gene complexes.     

Validation of criteria for the selection of AFLP markers to assess the genetic variation of a breeders’ collection of evergreen azaleas

Fluorescent AFLP and automated data analysis were employed to assess the genetic conformity within a breeders’ collection of evergreen azaleas. The study included 75 genotypes of Belgian pot azaleas (Rhododendron simsii Planch. hybrids), Kurume and Hirado azaleas and wild ancestor species from the Tsutsusi subgenus. Fluorescent detection and addition of an internal size standard to each lane enabled the automated scoring of each fragment arising from a single AFLP primer combination (PC). The use of three PCs generated an initial data set with a total of 648 fragments ranging from 70 bp to 450 bp. Different marker selection thresholds for average fluorescent signal intensity and marker frequency were used to create eight extra restricted data subsets. Pairwise plant genetic similarity was calculated for the nine data sets using the Simple Matching coefficient (symmetrical, including double-zeros) and Jaccard coefficient (asymmetrical, excluding double zeros). The averages, the ranges and the correlation to one other (Mantel analysis) were compared for the obtained similarity matrices. This revealed the sensitivity of ordinations obtained by both similarity coefficients for the presence of weak or intensive markers or for the degree of polymorphism of the markers. For 34 cultivars, pedigree information (at maximum to the fifth ancestor generation) was available. Genetic similarity by descent (kinship coefficient) was turned into a genetic distance and correlated to the genetic conformity, as revealed by the different selections of AFLP markers (Mantel analysis). Use of a Simple Matching coefficient with no or moderate selection to signal intensity and excluding rare and abundant markers gave the best correlation with pedigree. Finally, the ordination of the studied genotypes by means of dendrograms and principal co-ordinate analysis was confronted with known or accepted relationships based on geographical origin, parentage and morphological characters. Genotypes could be assigned to three distinct groups: pot azaleas, Kurume azaleas and Hirado azaleas. Wild ancestor species appeared to be more related to the Japanese azaleas. Intermediate cultivars could be typified as crossings with Kurume or Hirado azaleas or with wild species. Received: 3 September 1998 / Accepted: 25 March 1999     

Variation for host range within and among populations of the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica

Striga hermonthica is an angiosperm parasite that causes substantial damage to a wide variety of cereal crop species, and to the livelihoods of subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The broad host range of this parasite makes it a fascinating model for the study of host-parasite interactions, and suggests that effective long-term control strategies for the parasite will require an understanding of the potential for host range adaptation in parasite populations. We used a controlled experiment to test the extent to which the success or failure of S. hermonthica parasites to develop on a particular host cultivar (host resistance/compatibility) depends upon the identity of interacting host genotypes and parasite populations. We also tested the hypothesis that there is a genetic component to host range within individual S. hermonthica populations, using three rice cultivars with known, contrasting abilities to resist infection. The developmental success of S. hermonthica parasites growing on different rice-host cultivars (genotypes) depended significantly on a parasite population by host-genotype interaction. Genetic analysis using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers revealed that a small subset of AFLP markers showed 'outlier' genetic differentiation among sub-populations of S. hermonthica attached to different host cultivars. We suggest that, this indicates a genetic component to host range within populations of S. hermonthica, and that a detailed understanding of the genomic loci involved will be crucial in understanding host-parasite specificity and in breeding crop cultivars with broad spectrum resistance to S. hermonthica.     

利用分子标记和形态学性状检测的陆地棉栽培品种遗传多样性

利用RAPD,ISSR和SSR3种分子标记方法和2年田间实验对国内外36个陆地棉栽培品种的遗传多样性进行了研究,以3种分子标记在36个品种之间扩增的282条多态性位点所赋值的0,1数据,采用Nei和Li的方法,计算的品种成对相似系数从0．5745到0．9291,其品种平均数从0．6547到0．7524,又以2年品种表现的性状平均数经正态标准化后,采用欧氏距离计算了成对品种的遗传距离。分别以相似系数和传距离矩阵,采用类平均法进行聚类分析,其聚类结果把供试品种大致分为国外品种,新疆品种,早熟类型品种和我国的中熟棉品种等几个类群,类内进一步分组表明,分子标记确定的传关系基本上与品种系谱的种质系统一致,但并不能按系谱或种植生态区域简单地归属,尽管分子标记数据计算的相似系数矩阵和表现型计算的遗传距离矩阵存在极显著的相关关系（r=-0.335),但以遗传距离进行聚类分析的类内分组的组间特征不明显,分子标记是检测类内品种间遗传差异的有效方法,研究结果为棉花育种亲本选配提供了理论依据。     

Assessment of genetic diversity in a Morus germplasm collection using fluorescence-based AFLP markers

To meet various breeding objectives and to conserve the existing genetic resources of mulberry for future use, the present study was undertaken to investigate the amount of genetic diversity and to establish the relationships between mulberry genotypes using fluorescence-based AFLP markers. Genetic diversity was estimated in 45 mulberry accessions from different eco-geographic regions of Japan and other parts of the world. Five primer combinations amplified an average of 110 AFLP markers per primer combination, ranging in size from 35 to 500 bp. A high degree of polymorphism was revealed by these combinations that ranged from 69.7 to 82.3% across all the genotypes studied. Several rare genotype-specific bands were also identified which could be effectively utilized to distinguish different genotypes. The wide range in genetic similarity coefficients (0.58–0.99) indicated that the mulberry germplasm collection represents a genetically diverse popu-lation. The phenetic dendrogram generated by the UPGMA method grouped 45 accessions into four major clusters, which was in agreement with the results from conventional methods. Clustering of some genotypes into strictly separate groups was not readily apparent and no clear interrelationships could be depicted, in spite of their different geographic origin. In addition, AFLP analysis provided sufficient polymorphism for DNA typing and contributed additional insights into the genetic structure of the mulberry germplasm. These results will help in the formulation of appropriate strategies for conservation and variety improvement in mulberry, for which little or no knowledge of genetic diversity is currently available. Received: 30 December 1999 / Accepted: 14 March 2000     

Molecular AFLP Analysis of the Genotypes of Pepper Capsicum annuum Cultivars

The results of AFLP study of 14 Capsicum annuum cultivars are presented. In spite of the known low genomic variation of large-fruited sweet pepper, AFLP analysis proved to be suitable for detecting polymorphism and genotyping pepper cultivars. Nine primer pairs were selected to allow identification of the cultivars under study. Among-cultivar polymorphism detectable with these primers was estimated at 16.5%. A characteristic AFLP pattern was obtained for each cultivar. Several cultivar-specific fragments were revealed for seven cultivars. On the basis of the AFLP data, genetic distances between cultivars were determined and a tree was constructed by means of hierarchic cluster analysis (UPGMA) with the Jacquard coefficient. It was assumed that this information is useful in breeding programs involving the cultivars examined.     

Analysis of diversity and linkage disequilibrium along chromosome 3B of bread wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

A highly polymorphic core collection of bread wheat and a more narrow-based breeding material, gathered from pedigrees of seven modern cultivars, was analysed in order to compare genetic diversity indices and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns along the chromosome 3B with microsatellite (SSR) and Diversity Arrays Technology markers. Five ancestral gene pools could be identified within the core collection, indicating a strong geographical structure (Northwest Europe, Southeast Europe, CIMMYT–ICARDA group, Asia, Nepal). The breeding material showed a temporal structure, corresponding to different periods of breeding programmes [old varieties (from old landraces to 1919), semi-modern varieties (1920–1959), modern varieties (1960–2006)]. Basic statistics showed a higher genetic diversity in the core collection than in the breeding material, indicating a stronger selection pressure in this latter material. More generally, the chromosome 3B had a lower diversity than the whole B-genome. LD was weak in all studied materials. Amongst geographical groups, the CIMMYT–ICARDA pool presented the longest ranged LD in contrast to Asian accessions. In the breeding material, LD increased from old cultivars to modern varieties. Genitors of seven modern cultivars were found to be different; most marker pairs in significant LD were observed amongst genitors of Alexandre and Koreli varieties, indicating an important inbreeding effect. At low genetic distances (0–5 cM), the breeding material had higher LD than the core collection, but globally the two materials had similar values in all classes. Marker pairs in significant LD are generally observed around the centromere in both arms and at distal position on the short arm of the chromosome 3B.     

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) Provides Molecular Markers for the Identification of Caladium bicolor Cultivars

Caladiums are popular ornamental plants that have not been wellstudied at the molecular level. Identification of species withinthe genus Caladium (Araceae) has been based primarily on morphology.However, the lack of comprehensive references makes identificationof Caladium cultivars extremely difficult. Amplified fragmentlength polymorphism (AFLP) analysis using 17 primer combinationswas carried out on two species of Caladium (C. bicolor and C.schomburgkii), including six cultivars of C. bicolor. Resultsshowed that AFLP can be used to distinguish these two speciesby their unique and different banding patterns. Unweighted PairGroup Method using Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) permitted clusteranalysis of data from 17 selected primer combinations on sixcultivars of C. bicolor and one cultivar ofC. schomburgkii .It showed that closely related species can clearly be differentiatedand that genetic difference between cultivars can also be established.Unique AFLP molecular markers were detected for all the C. bicolorcultivars used. The use of AFLP has potential for preciselycharacterizing and identifying particular caladium cultivarsas well as for the registration of new cultivars. It will alsobe useful in future breeding programmes and systematics studies.Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Araceae, Caladium species and cultivars, AFLP DNA fingerprinting, diversity, AFLP markers.