Estimation of genetic diversity and population structure of IFVCNS wheat collection using molecular markers and pedigrees

Abstract

Within its 80-year long tradition in crop improvement, the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops has been focusing on incorporation of the latest scientific innovations and technological achievements into conventional breeding programs. The utilization of molecular markers in the Small Grains Department began two decades ago, with their routine use in screening for major genes, especially Rht, Vrn and Ppd. One of the greatest IFVCNS assets, crucial for its breeding success, is a tremendous wheat collection consisting of breeding material, and more that 3000 genotypes diligently collected for decades from the all over the world, evaluated and classified by the important agronomic traits. Classification exclusively based on geographic origin has proved not to be sufficiently precise to explain all relationships among genotypes as a result of constant exchange of genetic material between breeding centres. For this reason, a subset of the IFVNCS collection, containing 283 representative wheat genotypes from 5 continents, were selected to determine its genetic diversity with 30 microsatellite markers and compare it with available pedigree data. Molecular data was analysed in the program STRUCTURE, applying algorithm model to discriminate 6 assumed clusters. A high level of molecular diversity was detected in the first cluster with genotypes originating from all continents.