Development of Molecular Tools for Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analysis in Tunisian Fig (Ficus carica) Cultivars

Fig, Ficus carica L., is a useful genetic resource for commercial cultivation. In this study, RAPD (60), ISSR (48), RAMPO (63), and SSR (34) markers were compared to detect polymorphism and to establish genetic relationships among Tunisian fig tree cultivars. The statistical procedures conducted on the combined data show considerable genetic diversity, and the tested markers discriminated all fig genotypes studied. The identification key established on the basis of SSR permitted the unambiguous discrimination of cultivars and confirmed the reliability of SSR for fingerprinting fig genotypes. The study findings are discussed in relation to the establishment of a national reference collection that will aid in the conservation of Tunisian fig resources.     

Abundant Within-varietal Genetic Diversity in Rice Germplasm from Yunnan Province of China Revealed by SSR Fingerprints

In order to estimate genetic diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm in Yunnan Province of China, 60 varieties from different regions were analyzed by microsatellite (SSR) fingerprints. Nine selected SSR primer pairs amplified a total of 55 alleles from these varieties, and high genetic diversity (0.706) was found, although it was not evenly distributed across the regions. Marked genetic variation was detected within the traditional varieties. A UPGMA dendrogram based on SSR polymorphism indicated a great variation among the rice varieties, with coefficients ranging between 0.229 and 1.000. The formation of the rice diversity pattern in Yunnan is associated with natural conditions and especially with diverse cultural demands and farming styles. Strategic conservation of rice germplasm in Yunnan is important, and this could be implemented by collecting varieties across geographic regions with sufficient individuals within the same varieties. Effective rice conservation should also consider cultural aspects during collection.     

Genetic diversity of different Tunisian fig (Ficuscarica L.) collections revealed by RAPD fingerprints

The genetic diversity in Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) was studied using RAPD markers. Thirty-five fig cultivars originating from diverse geographical areas and belonging to three collections were analysed. Random decamer primers were screened to assess their ability to detect polymorphisms in this crop. Forty-four RAPD markers were revealed and used to survey the genetic diversity and to detect cases of mislabelling. As a result, considerable genetic diversity was detected among the studied F. carica accessions. The relationships among the 35 varieties were studied by cluster analysis. The dendrogram showed two main groups composed of cultivars with similar geographic origin. Moreover, the male accessions (caprifigs) were clustered indistinctively within the female ones, suggesting a narrow genetic diversity among these accessions. Our data proved that RAPD markers are useful for germplasm discrimination as well as for investigation of patterns of variation in fig. Since this designed procedure has permitted to establish a molecular database of the reference collections, the opportunity of this study is discussed in relation to the improvement and rational management of fig germplasm.     

Comparative Assessment of SSR and AFLP Markers for Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Fig, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ficus carica</Emphasis> L., Genetic Resources in Tunisia

This study characterises the genetic variability of fig, Ficus carica L., using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. It compares the efficiency and utility of the two techniques in detecting variation and establishing genetic relationships among Tunisian fig cultivars. Our results show that using both marker systems, the Tunisian fig germ plasm is characterised by having a large genetic diversity at the deoxyribonucleic acid level, as most of AFLP bands were detected and all SSR markers were polymorphic. In fact, 351 (342 polymorphic) and 57 (57 polymorphic) bands were detected using AFLP and SSR primers, respectively. SSR markers were the most polymorphic with an average polymorphic information content value of 0.94, while AFLP markers showed the highest effective multiplex ratio (56.9) and marker index (45.2). The effective marker index was recorded highest (4.19) for AFLP markers and lowest (0.70) for the SSR ones. Our results demonstrate that (1) independent as well as combined analyses of cluster analyses of SSR and AFLP fragments showed that cultivars are clustered independently from their geographical origin, horticultural classifications and tree sex; (2) the analysis of molecular variance allowed the partitioning of genetic variation within and among fig groups and showed greater variation within groups and (3) AFLP and SSR markers datasets showed positive correlation. This study suggests the SSR and AFLP markers are suitable for diversity analysis and cultivars fingerprinting. An understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure of F. carica in Tunisia can also provide insight into the conservation and management of this species.     

Effects of different conservation methods on the genetic stability of potato germplasm

A total of 50 potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties were maintained in vitro or under field conditions at Keshan National Genebank (KNG) for 15 years. At the end of the conservation period, a two-year field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of conservation methods on the genetic stability of accessions, using agronomic characters, isoenzyme markers, and DNA molecular markers. None of the 50 varieties maintained under field conditions had completely preserved agronomic characters. Plants kept in vitro demonstrated still lower level of stability than those conserved under field conditions. Differences in the isoenzyme electrophoresis patterns were found in ten of the varieties tested. The SSR (simple sequence repeat) analysis indicated genetic variation between each variety maintained in vitro and under field conditions and showed the genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.735 to 0.993. Three of the accessions maintained in vitro and under field conditions did not cluster together. The results suggest that the genetic stability of varieties maintained under field conditions was higher than those maintained in vitro. Therefore, in order to maintain the genetic integrity of potato germplasm resources, field conservation should be used for long-term conservation of potato germplasm collections, and the genetic stability should be checked regularly.     

Microsatellite (SSR) marker assisted assessment of population structure and genetic diversity for morpho-physiological traits in guava (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Psidium guajava</Emphasis> L.)

Twenty-four SSR markers were utilized to evaluate the genetic variation across thirty-six guava varieties including wild species. The SSR markers revealed a polymorphism of 95.7% and a great range of diversity among the experimental guava germplasm. Eighty-one alleles were detected, in diversity analysis, with 2–7 alleles with a mean of 3.682 alleles per loci. The SSR loci showcased an allele frequency of 0.306 (mPgCIR251) to 0.861 (mPgCIR227) at a mean value 0.561. An average polymorphic value of 0.490 across was measured for all the 36 germplasm with the range of 0.234 in mPgCIR227 to 0.706 in mPgCIR03. The genetic diversity for SSRs varied between 0.248 (mPgCIR227) and 0.747 (mPgCIR03) with an average of 0.548. Clustering of germplasm distinctly separated pink and white flesh germplasm into two major groups. First three coordinates contributed towards 32.76% of the variation measured using principle coordinate analysis. Molecular variance (AMOVA) study showed 06 and 94% genetic variation among population and individual, respectively with five sub populations. This study provides valuable information for understanding the genetic variability in guava which can be exploited to develop varieties with better fruit yield and nutritional quality.     

SSR标记揭示的云南地方稻品种遗传多样性及其保育意义

为了探索水稻(Oryza sativa L.)地方品种的遗传多样性及其有效保育方法,对采自云南省17个村寨的82个水稻地方品种和3个国际常用的典型籼稻和粳稻品种进行了微卫星(SSR)分子标记的分析.利用19对SSR引物在85个水稻品种中共扩增出了83个基因型,其分子量变异在100～500 bp之间.基于各品种SSR基因型遗传相似系数聚类分析而获得的UPGMA树状图表明各水稻品种之间存在较大的遗传多样性,其相似系数变异在0.15～0.90之间.但这些地方品种的遗传多样性并非呈均等的地理分布.这85个水稻品种在相似系数为0.52之处分为二组,其中一组包括几乎所有的籼稻品种,而另一组包括全部的粳稻品种,表明SSR标记能很好揭示水稻籼-粳分化.同时,有些来自不同采集地的同名品种表现出一定的遗传差异,说明同名异物的现象存在.云南水稻地方品种具有丰富的遗传多样性,对其有效保育十分重要和迫切,但只有根据遗传多样性的水平和分布特点,采用正确的保育对策和取样方法才能确保对云南水稻地方品种的有效保育.结果进一步表明,选用适当的微卫星引物,可以为准确鉴定籼稻和粳稻品种及研究其进化规律提供有效的分子标记方法,并有利于有目标的水稻遗传资源保育和育种创新.     

SSR标记揭示的云南地方稻品种遗传多样性及其保育意义

为了探索水稻(Oryza　sativa　L.)地方品种的遗传多样性及其有效保育方法,对采自云南省17个村寨的82个水稻地方品种和3个国际常用的典型籼稻和粳稻品种进行了微卫星(SSR)分子标记的分析。利用19对SSR引物在85个水稻品种中共扩增出了83个基因型,其分子量变异在100～500　bp之间。基于各品种SSR基因型遗传相似系数聚类分析而获得的UPGMA树状图表明各水稻品种之间存在较大的遗传多样性,其相似系数变异在0.15～0.90之间。但这些地方品种的遗传多样性并非呈均等的地理分布。这85个水稻品种在相似系数为0.52之处分为二组,其中一组包括几乎所有的籼稻品种,而另一组包括全部的粳稻品种,表明SSR标记能很好揭示水稻籼-粳分化。同时,有些来自不同采集地的同名品种表现出一定的遗传差异,说明同名异物的现象存在。云南水稻地方品种具有丰富的遗传多样性,对其有效保育十分重要和迫切,　但只有根据遗传多样性的水平和分布特点,采用正确的保育对策和取样方法才能确保对云南水稻地方品种的有效保育。结果进一步表明,选用适当的微卫星引物,可以为准确鉴定籼稻和粳稻品种及研究其进化规律提供有效的分子标记方法,并有利于有目标的水稻遗传资源保育和育种创新。     

Thai elite cassava genetic diversity was fortuitously conserved through farming with different sets of varieties

Many in situ conservation programs have been developed to preserve plant landrace diversity and to promote its sustainable utilization, but little is known about the effectiveness of the developed programs in conserving plant genetic diversity. We investigated the effectiveness of an unregulated (i.e., unplanned or open) conservation system maintained by Thai farmers in conserving Thai elite cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties. Specifically, we compared genetic diversity of 266 cassava clones that were collected from 80 farms in eight provinces with 16 cassava landraces and varieties released since the 1970s through genotyping with 35 informative simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR analysis revealed a large regional heterogeneity in cassava diversity, with a strong genetic differentiation of the assayed clones among the 80 farms (19.8 %) and across the eight provinces (11.8 %). Significant associations were also found between SSR variation and farm agro-ecological factors or some farming practices. However, there was no significant genetic differentiation (0.9 %) between the 266 farm clones and 16 reference varieties. These findings suggest that the Thai elite cassava genetic diversity was fortuitously conserved by the farmers through farming with different sets of varieties. Implications of these findings are discussed with respect to on-farm conservation of plant genetic resources.     

广西部分地区野生茶树遗传关系EST-SSR标记分析

为了明确广西野生茶树种质资源的遗传背景,该研究从广西的宁明县、金秀县、苍梧县收集到14份地方野生茶树种质资源,以17个国家级茶树良种作为参照,采用EST-SSR分子标记技术,探讨了广西这三个地方野生茶树与国家级茶树良种间的亲缘关系以及广西地方茶树自身的遗传多样性。结果表明:15对EST-SSR引物共检测到68个等位基因,平均每个引物可扩增出4.53个,其中多态性位点为60个,多态性比率达88.2%。平均观测杂合度、平均期望杂合度、平均Shannon信息指数分别为0.42、0.55和0.97。PIC值在0.23~0.74之间,平均为0.52,多态性较好。遗传相似系数在0.53~0.9之间,平均值为0.71,31份供试材料在遗传相似系数为0.71分为5组群,76%参照品种聚在A组群,而广西本地的野生茶树资源则主要分布在B、C、D、E组群。利用该研究中的4对核心引物即可将31份供试材料全部区分开,挑选其中10个多态性较好的等位位点进行编码,构建31份供试种质的DNA分子指纹图谱。这表明广西野生茶树资源与国家级茶树良种间遗传差异较大、亲缘关系较远、遗传基础宽、多样性非常丰富,可作为茶树育种的亲本或开展茶树功能基因研究的材料。     

Genetic diversity and genetic structure of black alder (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alnus glutinosa</Emphasis> [L.] Gaertn) in the Belgium-Luxembourg-France cross-border area

Due to its beneficial effects on river ecosystems, black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is one of the tree species selected for planting on riverbanks in the cross-border area encompassing Wallonia in Belgium, Lorraine in France, and Luxembourg. The preservation of this species, however, is threatened by an invasive pathogen that particularly targets and kills young alder individuals. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic diversity and the genetic structure of A. glutinosa at this local level with the aim of assisting the conservation and replanting strategies and to determine if a germplasm collection comprising individuals from the same cross-border area captures the diversity present in the region. Nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) and chloroplastic DNA (cpDNA) markers were used to analyze four local wild populations and the germplasm collection which is representative of two river catchments and six legal provenance regions. Three populations distant from the studied area were also included. A panel of 14 nuclear SSR loci revealed high allelic diversity and very low differentiation among wild populations (mean F _ST?=?0.014). The germplasm collection displayed a range of alleles that were representative of the different populations, and no significant differentiation between the germplasm collection and the local wild populations was observed, making this collection, as far as allelic diversity is concerned, suitable for providing trees for riverbank replanting programs. Using SSR markers, various statistical approaches consistently indicated the lack of a significant geographical structure at the level of the river catchments or provenance regions. In contrast, two cpDNA haplotypes were detected and displayed a cross-border geographically structured distribution that could be taken into account in defining new cross-border provenance regions.     

Characterization of Indian bred rose cultivars using morphological and molecular markers for conservation and sustainable management

Rose (Rosa × hybrid L.) is one of the most important commercial ornamental crops cultivated worldwide for its beauty, fragrance and nutraceutical values. Characterization of rose germplasm provides precise information about the extent of diversity present among the cultivars. It also helps in cultivar identification, intellectual property right protection, variety improvement and genetic diversity conservation. In the present study, 109 Indian bred rose cultivars were characterized using 59 morphological and 48 SSR markers. Out of 48 SSRs used, 31 markers exhibited polymorphism and 96 alleles were identified with an average of 3.9 alleles per locus. Nei’s expected heterozygosity value of each locus ranged from 0.08 (with SSR ABRII/RPU32) to 0.78 (SSR Rh58). The similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.42 to 0.90 which indicated presence of moderated diversity among Indian cultivars. The neighbor-joining tree based on morphological data grouped the cultivars into two major clusters and several minor clusters based on their morphological resemblance. However, UPGMA dendrogram constructed using matching coefficient values grouped the cultivars into eight different clusters. Interpopulation analysis revealed higher genetic similarities between Hybrid Tea and Floribunda cultivars. An analysis for presence of population sub-structure grouped the Indian cultivars into eight different genetic groups. Analysis of molecular variance revealed apportioning of 97.59% of the variation to within subgroup diversity and 3.07% to between the cultivar groups. We have demonstrated here successful utilization of robust SSR to distinguish cultivars and assess genetic diversity among Indian bred rose cultivars. The information provided here is useful for cultivar identification and protection, cultivar improvement and genetic diversity conservation.     

小麦地方品种繁殖更新过程中的遗传多样性变化分析

采用分别保存于长期库及中期库的3个小麦地方品种的6份材料,进行了9项农艺性状及35个与农艺性状相关的微卫星标记检测,每份材料选取30个单株进行遗传多样性与遗传结构分析。结果表明:(1)更新前,3个小麦地方品种均为遗传异质性群体,在SSR位点上的异质度分别为57.14%、48.57%和5.71%。(2)在农艺性状表现上,只有温泉小麦3在株高和穗粒数上更新后比更新前显著增加,其他材料无显著差异。(3)在SSR位点多态性表现上,3个品种在更新后均发生了遗传多样性变化,8个与粒重、产量、生育期性状相关位点存在等位位点丢失现象,其中2个与粒重、生育期相关位点频率变化显著。(4)综合农艺性状调查与SSR分子标记检测结果发现,3个品种更新前后在多样性指数上无显著差异,遗传分化系数Gst分别为0.0269、0.0324和0.0380,即更新前后遗传差异分别为2.69%、3.24%和3.80%。上述结果建议,经繁殖更新的小麦种质资源能够比较完好地保持其遗传多样性和遗传结构。对于遗传异质性小麦地方品种在繁殖更新后存在遗传多样性丢失的危险,为了保证更新前后的遗传完整性,建议在繁殖更新过程中每个品种至少应保持300个单株的群体。     

Gene pool variation and phylogenetic relationships of an indigenous northeast Italian grapevine collection revealed by nuclear and chloroplast SSRs

A germplasm safeguard programme was set up with 19 grapevine varieties considered as indigenous to northeastern Italy. To better estimate how genetic structure can be used to obtain a conservation perspective of local varieties, genetic variability was examined at 30 nuclear and 3 chloroplast polymorphic microsatellite loci in the native varieties plus 7 European cultivars taken as reference. The genetic profiles of all the cultivars were searched for possible parentage relationships and several suspected cases of the same variety having different names were investigated. The alleles shared at the loci suggest a parent-offspring relationship between Merlot and Cabernet Franc, 'Gruaja' and 'Negrara Veronese', and Marzemina Nera and Marzemina Bianca. Alleles at the 30 nuclear loci are consistent with Raboso Veronese being the progeny of Marzemina Bianca and Raboso Piave. Chloroplast-specific haplotypes were singled out for the first time in this indigenous germplasm and should be considered typical of the region. It is hypothesized that there are many specific haplotypes for the local varieties due to a past contribution of wild grapevine to the cultivated gene pool. The majority of investigated cultivars were demonstrated to constitute an independent source of genetic variation, and therefore a possible valuable resource of genetic traits for breeders.     

基于遗传多样性构建金针菇的核心种质群体及分子身份证

金针菇Flammulina filiformis是我国产量最高的工厂化栽培食用菌。为提高优良工厂化栽培金针菇种质的育种效率,本研究以国内外收集的105份金针菇种质为材料,开展体细胞不亲和评价,并采用SSR分子标记的方法对所有种质进行遗传多样性分析和聚类分析。20对SSR引物在105份种质中共扩增得到209个等位基因位点,所有种质间的遗传相似系数为0.71-1.00,在遗传距离0.76处可分为5个大类群。105份金针菇种质共包含67种不同的遗传背景,野生金针菇种质比栽培种质具有更丰富的遗传多样性。基于SSR的聚类分析结果和体细胞不亲和评价结果既相互印证,又可互为借鉴。本研究构建了包含44份金针菇种质的核心种质群体,占所有供试材料的41.90%,保留了100%等位基因。核心种质群体覆盖区域广泛,最大限度地保留了原始群体的遗传多样性和表型变异,可为育种的亲本选择提供参考。进一步构建了能同时反映每份金针菇种质SSR分子标记指纹图谱、收集地区、子实体颜色和栽培性状的分子身份证编码,并转换成可视二维码,为金针菇种质的高效标识和快速溯源提供了科学依据。     

苦荞地方种质资源的遗传多样性分析

利用SSR分子标记技术对中国苦荞主产区陕西、云南、四川、西藏等地的82份苦荞地方种质的遗传多样性进行了分析,以揭示中国特有的作物种质--苦荞地方种质资源的遗传多样性,促进苦荞优良品种的选育.结果显示:(1)所用25个SSR引物中有13个引物在苦荞地方品种中具有多态性,且扩增条带的稳定性较好,共扩增出208条条带,其中多态性条带200条,占总数的96.2%;(2)聚类分析结果显示,82份苦荞材料的遗传相似系数(GS)分布于0.52～0.85之间,平均值为0.69,在GS值为0.722的水平上,82份材料被聚为10大类群.研究表明82份苦荞品种间遗传多样性明显,具有丰富的遗传基础.     

Genetic assessment of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) collection with microsatellite markers acquired via pyrosequencing method

A genetic evaluation of safflower germplasm collections derived from different geographical regions and countries will provide useful information for sustainable conservation and the utilization of genetic diversity. However, the molecular marker information is limited for evaluation of genetic diversity of safflower germplasm. In this study, we acquired 509 putative genomic SSR markers for sufficient genome coverage using next‐generation sequencing methods and characterized thirty polymorphic SSRs in safflower collection composed of 100 diverse accessions. The average allele number and expected heterozygosity were 2.8 and 0.386, respectively. Analysis of population structure and phylogeny based on thirty SSR profiles revealed genetic admixture between geographical regions contrary to genetic clustering. However, the accessions from Korea were genetically conserved in distinctive groups in contrast to other safflower gene pool. In conclusion, these new genomic SSRs will facilitate valuable studies to clarify genetic relationships as well as conduct population structure analyses, genetic map construction and association analysis for safflower.     

Grapevine Phenological Quantitative Trait SSR Genotyping Using High-Throughput HRM-PCR Analysis

Discrimination among grapevine varieties based on quantitative traits, such as flowering, veraison and ripening dates is crucial for variety selection in the context of climate change and in breeding programs. These traits are under complex genetic control for which 6 linked SSR loci (VVS2, VVIn16, VMC7G3, VrZAG29, VMC5G7, and VVIB23) have been identified. Using these markers in HRM-PCR analysis, we assessed genetic diversity among a large collection of 192 grapevine varieties. The grapevine germplasm used encompasses the majority of Greek vineyard with 181 varieties, 3 prominent foreign varieties and 11 varieties of Palestinian origin. The SSR markers used were highly polymorphic, displaying unique melting curves for unusually higher number of samples than generally observed in SSR analysis. This prompted us to examine sequence composition for selected samples and found that variation present as SNPs in the flanking sequences of SSR motifs was responsible for the observed polymorphism. Hence, HRM-PCR proved to be a tool of higher analytical power to distinguish genotypes surpassing the discrimination power of conventional gel-based SSR analysis. The study provides a better understanding of genetic variation of SSR marker loci associated to phenological traits in grapevine varieties, signifying an analytical methodology that may be of higher discrimination power in detection of polymorphism for utilization in breeding programs.     

The use of molecular markers for germplasm management in a French olive collection

With more than 100 accessions, the CBNMP olive collection includes a major part of the French germplasm. We used molecular markers to characterise all accessions and to study genetic relationships between cultivars. Firstly, 497 olive trees were genotyped using 32 RAPD markers. We identified 114 RAPD profiles and detected several cases of mislabelling, synonymy and homonymy. Secondly, for each RAPD profile, one tree was analysed using mtDNA RFLPs to determine the cytoplasmic lineage of each cultivar and using five nuclear SSR loci. French germplasm displayed ME1, MOM and MCK mitotypes with ME1 prevailing (84%). Based on SSR markers, we revealed a slight differentiation between French cultivars growing in the West and the East side of the Rh?ne Valley. This study allowed us to construct a molecular data-base for the reference collection and to analyse genetic diversity for further prospecting, and for introducing new olive accessions.     

Farmers Drive Genetic Diversity of Thai Purple Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces

Purple or black rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a culturally important germplasm in Asia with a long history of cultivation in northern Thailand. Purple rice is identified by the color of the rice pericarp, which varies from purple to black with the accumulation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. In the present study, we assessed molecular variation within and between wetland purple rice landraces germplasm from northern and northeastern Thailand using 12 microsatellite loci. All purple rice varieties surveyed showed high levels of homozygosity within varieties and strong genetic differentiation among varieties, indicating the fixation of genetic differences among them. This pattern is consistent with purple rice farming practices in northern Thailand, where a small portion of harvested seed is selected and replanted based on farmers’ preferences. The reduced genetic diversity and high homozygosity observed for purple rice is also consistent with patterns expected for this inbreeding crop. Genetic differentiation among the varieties showed some degree of structuring based on their geographical origin. Taken together, these data highlight that the genetic diversity and structure of wetland purple rice landraces is shaped by farmer utilization and cultivation through local cultural practices, and that conservation should focus on ex situ conservation across its cultivation range, along with on-farm, in situ conservation based on farmers’ seed-saving practices. In situ conservation may prove especially valuable for preserving the genetic identity of local varieties and promote adaptation to local environments.