Qualitative and quantitative characterization of RAPD variation among snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes

Ten snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes were screened for polymorphism with 400 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers. Polymorphic RAPDs were scored and classified into three categories based on ethidium bromide staining intensity. An average of 5.19 RAPD bands were scored per primer for the 364 primers that gave scorable amplification products. An average of 2.15 polymorphic RAPDs were detected per primer. The results show that primer screening may reduce the number of RAPD reactions required for the analysis of genetic relationships among snap-bean genotypes by over 60%. Based on the analysis of the distribution of RAPD amplification, the same number of polymorphic RAPDs were amplified from different genotypes for all RAPD band intensity levels. A comparison of RAPD band amplification frequency among genotypes for the three categories of bands classified by amplification strength revealed a measurable difference in the frequencies of RAPDs classified as faint (weakly amplifying) compared to RAPD bands classified as bold (strongly amplifying) indicating a possible scoring error due to the underscoring of faint bands. Correlation analysis showed that RAPD bands amplified by the same primer are not more closely correlated then RAPD bands amplified by different primers but are more highly correlated then expected by chance. Pairwise comparisons of RAPD bands indicate that the distribution of RAPD amplification among genotypes will be a useful criterion for establishing RAPD band identity. For the average pairwise comparison of genotypes, 50% of primers tested and 15.8% of all scored RAPDs detected polymorphism. Based on RAPD data Nei's average gene diversity at a locus was 0.158 based on all scorable RAPD bands and 0.388 if only polymorphic RAPD loci were considered. RAPD-derived 1 relationships among genotypes are reported for the ten genotypes included in this study. The data presented here demonstrate that many informative, polymorphic RAPDs can be found among snap bean cultivars. These RAPDs may be useful for the unique identification of bean varieties, the organization of bean germplasm, and applications of molecular markers to bean breeding.     

Optimization of primer screening for evaluation of genetic relationship in rose cultivars

Optimization of primer screening for evaluation of genetic relationship in 34 cultivars of rose through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers was investigated. Four series of decamer primers were used for screening and optimization of RAPD analysis between which A and N series performed good amplification of fragments as compared with other series. The primers OPN-07 and OPN-15 produced maximum number of DNA fragments in Rosa hybrida cv. Anuraag. Some primer either did not produce amplification or produced very poor amplification. Further, ten selected primers were used for genetic analysis of 34 rose cultivars. The primer OPN-15 amplified 21 fragments in all cultivars tested. A total of 162 distinct DNA fragments (bands) ranging from 100 to 3400 base pairs were amplified by using 10 selected random primers. The cluster analysis indicated that these rose cultivars formed nine clusters.     

The use of random amplified polymorphic DNA markers in wheat

Summary An evaluation was made of the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) as a genetic marker system in wheat. Reproducible amplification products were obtained from varietal, homozygous single chromosome recombinant line and wheat/alien addition line genomic DNA with selected primers and rigorously optimized reaction conditions. Factors influencing the RAPD patterns are DNA concentration, Mg²⁺ concentration, polymerase concentration and denaturing temperature. In wheat, the non-homoeologous, non-dose responsive and dominant behaviour of RAPD products devalues their use as genetic markers for the construction of linkage maps, and the high probability that the amplified fragments derive from repetitive DNA limits their use as a source of conventional RFLP probes. However, RAPD markers will most certainly find many applications in the analysis of genotypes where single chromosomes or chromosome segments are to be manipulated.     

Assessment of genetic variation withinBrassica campestris cultivars using amplified fragment length polymorphism and random amplification of polymorphic DNA markers

Genetic relationships were evaluated among nine cultivars ofBrassica campestris by employing random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. RAPDs generated a total of 125 bands using 13 decamer primers (an average of 9.6 bands per assay) of which nearly 80% were polymorphic. The per cent polymorphism ranged from 60–100%. AFLP, on the other hand generated a total of 319 markers, an average of 64 bands per assay. Of these, 213 were polymorphic in nature (66.8%). AFLP methodology detected polymorphism more efficiently than RAPD approach due to a greater number of loci assayed per reaction. Cultivar-specific bands were identified, for some cultivars using RAPD, and for most cultivars with AFLP. Genetic similarity matrix, based on Jaccard’s index detected coefficients ranging from 0.42 to 0.73 for RAPD, and from 0.48 to 0.925 for AFLPs indicating a wide genetic base. Cluster analyses using data generated by both RAPD and AFLP markers, clearly separated the yellow seeded, self-compatible cultivars from the brown seeded, self-incompatible cultivars although AFLP markers were able to group the cultivars more accurately. The higher genetic variation detected by AFLP in comparison to RAPD was also reflected in the topography of the phenetic dendrograms obtained. These results have been discussed in light of other studies and the relative efficiency of the marker systems for germplasm evaluation.     

Genetic variations among mulberry genotypes (Morus alba) as revealed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

Turkey is one of the most important mulberry fruit producers in the world. In particular, in Eastern and Inner part of Turkey, mulberry fruits are processed into several products such as `Mulberry Pekmez', `Mulberry Pestil', `Mulberry Kome' etc. Therefore, mulberry fruits give higher economic returns thus have greater employment potentials in Turkey. In order to improve the yield and fruit quality through breeding, the genetic variations and relationships among 15 selected white mulberry genotypes (Morus alba L.) were evaluated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of 101 DNA markers were generated by 16 random primers, with an average of 6.3 easily detectable markers per primer. Several RAPD markers showed unique patterns of mean frequency that differed among the white mulberry genotypes. The distance matrix showed that the highest genetic distance (0.902) was between EMS13 and EMS8 and the least (0.413) was between EMS12 and EMS15. According to the results, RAPD analysis can be used for the characterization and grouping of mulberry genotypes. The genetically divergent genotypes identified from this study would be of much use in the future breeding program.     

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.     

Development and Study of SCAR Markers in Pea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis> L.)

In order to develop more specific markers that characterize particular regions of the pea genome, the data on nucleotide sequences of RAPD fragments were used for choosing more extended primers, which may be helpful in amplifying a fragment corresponding to the particular DNA region. Of the 14 STS markers obtained from 14 polymorphic RAPD fragments, 12 were polymorphic, i.e., they are SCAR markers that can be used in genetic analysis. The transition from complex RAPD spectra to amplification of a particular SCAR marker substantially facilitates analysis of large samples for the presence or absence of the examined fragment. Inheritance of the developed SCAR markers was studied in F₁ and F₂. SCAR markers were used to identify various pea lines, cultivars, and mutants. It was established that the study of amplification of STS markers in various pea genotypes at varying temperatures of annealing and the comparison with amplification of the original RAPD fragments in the same genotypes provide an approach for analysis of RAPD polymorphism origin.     

Comparison of RAPD and RFLP genetic markers in determining genetic similarity among Brassica oleracea L. genotypes

Genetic similarity among 45 Brassica Oleracea genotypes was compared using two molecular markers, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The genotypes included 37 broccolis (var. italica), five cauliflowers (var. botrytis) and three cabbages (var. capitata) which represented a wide range of commercially-available germplasm, and included open-pollinated cultivars, commercial hybrids, and inbred parents of hybrid cultivars. Fifty-six polymorphic RFLP bands and 181 polymorphic RAPD bands were generated using 15 random cDNA probes and 62 10-mer primers, respectively. The objectives were to compare RFLP and RAPD markers with regard to their (1) sampling variance, (2) rank correlations of genetic distance among sub-samples, and (3) inheritance. A bootstrap procedure was used to generate 200 random samples of size n (n=2,3,5,... 55) independently from the RAPD and RFLP data sets. The coefficient of variance (CV) was estimated for each sample. Pooled regressions of the coefficient of variance on bootstrap sample size indicated that the rate of decrease in CV with increasing sample size was the same for RFLPs and RAPDs. The rank correlation between the Nei-Li genetic similarity values for all pairs of genotypes (990) based on RFLP and RAPD data was 0.745. Differences were observed between the RFLP and RAPD dendrograms of the 45 genotypes. Overlap in the distributions of rank correlations between independent sub-samples from the RAPD data set, compared to correlations between RFLP and RAPD sub-samples, suggest that observed differences in estimation of genetic similarity between RAPDs and RFLPs is largely due to sampling error rather than due to DNA-based differences in how RAPDs and RFLPs reveal polymorphisms. A crossing algorithm was used to generate hypothetical banding patterns of hybrids based on the genotypes of the parents. The results of this study indicate that RAPDs provide a level of resolution equivalent to RFLPs for detemination of the genetic relationships among genotypes.     

Development and study of SCAR markers in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

In order to develop more specific markers that characterize particular regions of the pea genome, the data on nucleotide sequences of RAPD fragments were used for choosing more extended primers, which may be helpful in amplifying a fragment corresponding to the particular DNA region. Of the 14 STS markers obtained from 14 polymorphic RAPD fragments, 12 were polymorphic, i.e., they are SCAR markers that can be used in genetic analysis. The transition from complex RAPD spectra to amplification of a particular SCAR marker substantially facilitates analysis of large samples for the presence or absence of the examined fragment. Inheritance of the developed SCAR markers was studied in F1 and F2. SCAR markers were used to identify various pea lines, cultivars, and mutants. It was established that the study of amplification of STS markers in various pea genotypes at varying temperatures of annealing and the comparison with amplification of the original RAPD fragments in the same genotypes provide an approach for analysis of RAPD polymorphism type.     

Identification of 27 <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porphyra</Emphasis> lines (Rhodophyta) by DNA fingerprinting and molecular markers

Twenty-seven Porphyra lines, including lines widely used in China, wild lines and lines introduced to China from abroad in recent years, were screened by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique with 120 operon primers. From the generated RAPD products, 11 bands that showed stable and repeatable RAPD patterns amplified by OPC-04, OPJ-18 and OPX-06, respectively were scored and used to develop the DNA fingerprints of the 27 Porphyra lines. Moreover, the DNA fingerprinting patterns were converted into computer language expressed with two digitals, 1 and 0, which represented the presence (numbered as 1) or absence (numbered as 0) of the corresponding band, respectively. Based on the above results, computerized DNA fingerprints were constructed in which each of the 27 Porphyra lines has its unique fingerprinting pattern and can be easily distinguished from others. Software named PGI (Porphyra germplasm identification) was designed for identification of the 27 Porphyra lines. In addition, seven specific RAPD markers from seven Porphyra lines were identified and two of them were successfully converted into SCAR (sequence characterized amplification region) markers. The developed DNA fingerprinting and specific molecular markers provide useful ways for the identification, classification and resource protection of the Porphyra lines.     

Detection of genetic diversity and selective gene introgression in coffee using RAPD markers

RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) markers generated by arbitary decamers have been successfully employed to detect genetic polymorphisms between coffee species and between Coffea arabica genotypes. The RAPD profiles were used to construct dendrograms and these were consistent with the known history and evolution of Coffea arabica. Material originating from Ethiopia and the arabica sub-groups — C. arabica var. typica and C. arabica var. bourbon — were clearly distinguished. RAPD analysis therefore reflects morphological differences between the sub-groups and the geographical origin of the coffee material. Species-specific amplification products were also identified, but, more importantly, amplification products specific to C. canephora were identified in two C. arabica genotypes, Rume Sudan and Catimor 5175. This diagnostic product is therefore indicative of interspecific gene flow in coffee and has biological implications for selective introgressive hybridisation in coffee. Our study demonstrates the power of the polymerase chain reaction technology for the generation of genetic markers for long-lived perennial tree and bush crops.On study leave from: Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Facultad de Agronomia, Ciudad Universitaria, Zona 12, Apartado Postal No. 1545, Guatemala, Central America     

Construction of phylogenetic tree forNicotiana species based on RAPD markers

To apply random amplified polymorphic DNA for analysis of phylogenetic relationships, we used 34 synthetic oligonucleotides as primers to examine interspecific and intraspecific variations among 18 genotypes, nine species ofNicotiana. The nine species used in this study belong to sectionsTomentosae andAlatae. In addition, we attempted to clarify the taxonomic position ofN. sylvestris. A total of 354 distinct DNA fragments were obtained by polymerase chain reaction. Pair-wise comparisons of unique and shared amplification products were used to generate Jaccard's similarity coefficients and Nei and Li's similarity coefficients with the computer software of numerical taxonomy and multivariate analysis system. On the basis of the dendrogram constructed with the similarity coefficients, the 18Nicotiana genotypes were divided into two clusters. The classification analyzed by RAPD markers is in accordance with the classification of Goodspeed thatN. sylvestris is a member of sectionAlatae.     

Segregating random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) in Betula alleghaniensis

Summary Molecular markers are currently being developed for Betula alleghaniensis Britton using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Arbitrarily designed 11-mer primers were tested on three intraspecific controlled crosses for which more than 15 full-sibs were available. Using two of these primers, we were able to genetically characterize a total of nine polymorphic RAPD markers. Segregation of these markers was consistent with a biparental diploid mode of inheritance, and all appeared dominant. RAPDs were valuable in detecting contaminants and, therefore, in assessing the validity of controlled crosses. Limitations of the technique are discussed in relation to the determination of parental genotypes and construction of linkage maps for hardwood species.     

Molecular characterization of reciprocal crosses of Aerides vandarum and Vanda stangeana (Orchidaceae) at the protocorm stage

Aerides vandarum and Vanda stangeana are two rare and endangered vandaceous orchids with immense floricultural traits. The intergeneric hybrids were synthesized by performing reciprocal crosses between them. In vitro germination response of the immature hybrid embryos was found to be best on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 20% (v/v) coconut water/liquid endosperm from tender coconut. Determination of hybridity was made as early as the immature seeds or embryos germinated in vitro, using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Out of 15 arbitrarily chosen decamer RAPD primers, two were found to be useful in amplification of polymorphic bands specific to the parental species and their presence in the reciprocal crosses. However, a decisive profile that can identify the reciprocal crosses could not be provided by RAPD. Amplification of the trnL-F non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA of the parent species and hybrids aided easy identification of the reciprocal crosses from the fact that maternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA held true for these intergeneric hybrids. Subsequent restriction digestion of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified trnL-F non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA also consolidated the finding. Such PCR-based molecular markers could be used for early determination of hybridity and easy identification of the reciprocal crosses.     

Characterization of the Aspergillus niger pelB gene: structure and regulation of expression

Summary Nearly isogenic lines (NILs) of rice (Oryza sativa) differing at a locus conferring resistance to the pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae were surveyed with 123 DNA markers and 985 random primers using restriction fragment length plymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. One chromosome 11 marker (RG103) detected polymorphism between the NILs that cosegregated with Xa21. All other chromosome 11 DNA markers tested were monomorphic between the NILs, localizing the Xa21 introgressed region to an 8.3 cM interval on chromosome 11. Furthermore, we identified two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products (RAPD2148 and RAPD818) that detected polymorphisms between the NILs. Genomic sequences hybridizing with RAPD818, RAPD248 and RG103 were duplicated specifically in the Xa21 NIL. All three markers cosegregated with the resistance locus, Xa21, in a F₂ population of 386 progeny. Based on the frequency with which we recovered polymorphic Xa21-linked markers, we estimated the physical size of the introgressed region to be approximately 800 kb. This estimation was supported by physical mapping (using pulsed field gel electrophoresis) of the sequences hybridizing with the three Xa21-linked DNA markers. The results showed that the three Xa21-linked markers are physically close to each other, with one copy of the RAPD818 sequences located within 60 kb of RAPD248 and the other copy within 270 kb of RG103. None of the enzymes tested generated a DNA fragment that hybridized with all three of the markers indicating that the introgressed region containing the resistance locus Xa21 is probably larger than 270 kb.     

Randomly amplified DNA polymorphisms in dogs are reproducible and display Mendelian transmission

Many inherited diseases occur in pure-bred dogs, but diagnosis at the level of DNA is impossible because the canine genome is largely unknown. Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) provides many polymorphisms, but the reproducibility and Mendelian inheritance are not beyond doubt. An optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for canine DNA with respect to the annealing temperature and the concentrations of MgCl₂, template DNA and primers. RAPD amplification products were in the range of 100–1500 base pairs. With six primers, 21 different reactions with different electrophoretic patterns were obtained, yielding 9–29 products per reaction. In DNA from dogs of 16 different breeds, 14% of the products were polymorphic; when only beagles were included the rate of polymorphism was 10%. All of the reaction products were completely reproducible in 16 DNA samples. Mendelian transmission was analysed in six beagle families (42 dogs). The segregation of polymorphic amplification products in 21 reactions performed on DNA from all beagles was nearly complete; in only two of the 630 reactions was there a product that could not be traced back to either of the parents. The reproducibility and Mendelian behaviour of polymorphisms generated by RAPD in dogs makes this tool very suitable for development of DNA markers of canine inherited diseases.     

Analysis of genetic diversity through AFLP,SAMPL, ISSR and RAPD markers in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tribulus terrestris</Emphasis>, a medicinal herb

Tribulus terrestris is well known for its medicinal importance in curing urino-genital disorders. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), selective amplification of microsatellite polymorphic loci (SAMPL), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used for the first time for the detection of genetic polymorphism in this medicinal herb from samples collected from various geographical regions of India. Six assays each of AFLP and SAMPL markers and 21 each of ISSR and RAPD markers were utilized. AFLP yielded 500 scorable amplified products, of which 82.9% were polymorphic. SAMPL primers amplified 488 bands, 462 being polymorphic (94.7%). The range of amplified bands was 66 [(TC)₈G + M-CAG] to 98 [(CA)₆AG + M-CAC] and the percentage polymorphism, 89.9 [from (CT)₄C (AC)₄A + M-CTG] to 100 [from (GACA)₄ + M-CTA]. The ISSR primers amplified 239 bands of 0.4–2.5 kb, 73.6% showed polymorphism. The amplified products ranged from 5 to 16 and the percentage polymorphism 40–100. RAPD assays produced 276 bands, of which 163 were polymorphic (59%). Mantel test employed for detection of goodness of fit established cophenetic correlation values above 0.9 for all the four marker systems. The dendrograms and PCA plots derived from the binary data matrices of the four marker systems are highly concordant. High bootstrap values were obtained at major nodes of phenograms through WINBOOT software. The relative efficiency of the four molecular marker systems calculated on the basis of multiplex ratio, marker index and average heterozygosity revealed SAMPL to be the best. Distinct DNA fingerprinting profile, unique to every geographical region could be obtained with all the four molecular marker systems. Clustering can be a good indicator for clear separation of genotypes from different regions in well-defined groups that are supported by high bootstrap values.     

Assessments of somaclonal variation in micropropagated shoots of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cedrus</Emphasis>: consequences of axillary bud breaking

Reversed-phase HPLC analysis and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to monitor DNA methylation status and genetic stability of C. atlantica and C. libani shoots generated through axillary bud proliferation. Average DNA methylation in C. atlantica or C. libani seedlings and mature 200-year-old trees of C. libani was 19.8, 19.5 and 22.3%, respectively. These global amounts showed no significant variation after the in vitro establishment of seedling-originated shoot stocks. In contrast, in vitro culture caused a significant decrease in the amount of 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA of the tissue culture (TC) progenies of one of the adult C. libani genotypes. This DNA demethylation event accompanied an enhancement of the regrowth capacity of this genotype. Detected RAPD variation between mother plants and their TC progenies was species-related, with C. libani TC progenies being genetically more stable than those of C. atlantica. Nevertheless, similarity indices ranged from 0.97 to 1 among mother plants and their TC progenies. Furthermore, the analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggest that RAPD variation among the mother plants and their TC progenies might be considered as not significant. The application of various statistical approaches, including cluster-based genetic distance methods and AMOVA, demonstrates that RAPD markers discriminate C. atlantica and C. libani appropriately.     

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) identification of genetic variation in three species ofPorphyra (Bangiales,Rhodophyta)

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to characterize three species ofPorphyra from the western North Atlantic and adjacent Gulf of Mexico. Twenty 10-mer primers were screened for DNA amplification usingPorphyra template DNA. Nine of these oligonucleotide primers, all (G+C)-rich, were positive or band-producing, but yielded poor or variable band resolution. Subsequent use of the universal 20-mer M 13 primer resulted in both clear band resolution with a minimum of secondary bands and a high degree of reproducibility. Amplification products for DNA from six regional isolates ofPorphyra carolinensis Coll et Cox,P. leucosticta Thuret in Le Jolis andP. rosengurttii Coll et Cox were compared to each other and toBangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh. Results provide evidence of both genetically hetero- and homogeneous populations. Use of the RAPD method with the M 13 primer yields amplification products which can be used to fingerprint specific genotypes. This procedure could be used to discriminate between hetero- and homokaryotic fusion products from previously characterized donor strains.     

Genetic diversity assessment in Portugal accessions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Olea europaea</Emphasis> by RAPD markers

Eighty seven olive (Olea europaea ssp. sativa L.) cultivar accessions from Portugal were characterized by means of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Of the 11 arbitrary 10-mer primers tested a total of 92 polymorphic bands were obtained, representing 87.6 % of the total amplification products. Twenty nine different genotypes were clearly discriminated. Differences were not found among the amplification profiles from different individuals of the same cultivar. All the genotypes could be identified by the combination of three primers: OPR-1, OPK-14 and OPA-1, seven genotype-specific markers being detected. Genetic relationships were estimated by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA). The genetic analysis of the results showed a gradual distance between the various cultivars, making it difficult to identify well-differentiated phylogenetic groups, although two clusters were distinguishable with 35 % similarity, in addition to three independent branches with lower similarity: Galega, Tentilheira and Redondal. The dendrogram reflect some relationships for most of the cultivars according to the use of the fruit and ecological adaptation.