Microsatellites in the analysis of wheat genetic diversity

Abstract

Microsatellite markers (SSR) were used to study wheat genetic diversity. A set of 87 wheat genotypes was analysed with four SSR markers. Primers used for the amplification of adequate microsatellite loci (Xgwm) are according to RoDER et al. (2002). Results were obtained using Applied Biosystems 3130 genetic analyser. Total of 28 alleles were determined, i.e. average of 7 alleles per marker. Number of alleles for individual markers ranged from six (Xgwm3) to eight (Xgwm18). The presence of two null alleles for Xgwm18 and Xgwm155 was found. There were five rare alleles (frequency lt 2%). Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.52 for Xgwm408 to 0.80 for Xgwm18. Mean PIC value was 0.69 for all markers, which signifies a high level of the detected polymorphism. According to the data collected through the analysis of four markers, most genotypes can be grouped in clusters. The results show usefulness of microsatellite markers in detecting polymorphism, identifying genotypes and assessing genetic diversity.