Articles
Application of molecular markers at the Agricultural Research Council – Tropical and Subtropical Crops
Article number
1203_21
Pages
137 – 146
Language
English
Abstract
Currently, cultivars grown at the Agricultural Research Council NDASH Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) in Nelspruit, South Africa, are evaluated based on morphological characteristics.
However, there are some disadvantages to this method.
Molecular markers can provide a supplementary tool to overcome some of these shortcomings.
In recent years at the ARC-TSC, the potential of molecular markers, in particular simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, has been evaluated.
The research undertaken to date has indicated the need to investigate the different types of molecular markers on a case-by-case basis.
Preliminary studies have been undertaken with an indigenous fruit, the Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra). Considering that there are no molecular markers available specifically for Kei apple, SRAP markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of selections.
In addition, relationships between juice characteristics and genotypes were explored.
For litchi (Litchi chinensis), it was found that SRAP markers were more informative than SSR markers, while the converse was true for macadamia (Macadamia sp.). Work with citrus (Citrus sp.) indicated that, while the tested SSR markers could distinguish between the different citrus groups, determination of specific cultivars within each group was problematic.
However, there are some disadvantages to this method.
Molecular markers can provide a supplementary tool to overcome some of these shortcomings.
In recent years at the ARC-TSC, the potential of molecular markers, in particular simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, has been evaluated.
The research undertaken to date has indicated the need to investigate the different types of molecular markers on a case-by-case basis.
Preliminary studies have been undertaken with an indigenous fruit, the Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra). Considering that there are no molecular markers available specifically for Kei apple, SRAP markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of selections.
In addition, relationships between juice characteristics and genotypes were explored.
For litchi (Litchi chinensis), it was found that SRAP markers were more informative than SSR markers, while the converse was true for macadamia (Macadamia sp.). Work with citrus (Citrus sp.) indicated that, while the tested SSR markers could distinguish between the different citrus groups, determination of specific cultivars within each group was problematic.
Authors
E. Hajari, D. Nonyane, R.J. Du Preez, K. De Jager, M.G. Penter, A.D. Sippel
Keywords
molecular markers, SSR, SRAP, plant breeding, Kei apple, litchi, macadamia, citrus
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