Molecular diversity of autumn garlic genotypes using SSR markers

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the most important Allium species in terms of worldwide production and various usages in human nutrition, medicine, pharmacy and cosmetics. Basic method of garlic propagation is vegetative and creation of new varieties is mainly achieved by clonal selection. The characterization and preservation of samples in germplasm collections is of crucial importance in plant breeding, as well as availability of information about number and characteristics of samples in gene banks. Since pheotypic traits can vary significantly under the influence of environmental factors the characterization is more reliable by using DNA markers. Effective characterization of samples in collections and identification of duplicates is important from the economic aspect, ie. space saving and maintenance costs. The garlic collection of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad (IFVCNS) includes 63 samples of autumn and 67 samples of spring garlic. These genotypes represent a valuable genetic pool for the selection of clones with appropriate characteristics, highly adapted for the production in the agro-climatic conditions of Serbia. Molecular characterization will provide more complete insight into diversity of samples, identification of potential duplicates and enable breeders more efficient selection and development of new cultivars.