Articles
Molecular markers as possible tools for gene conservation
Article number
1439_54
Pages
419 – 424
Language
English
Abstract
The main objective of gene conservation is to maintain genetic diversity for present and future generations.
Maintaining the genetic identity of the genotypes in gene banks is one of the most significant challenges in conservation.
They could be used as raw material for plant breeding if, besides their phenotypic description, their genetic fingerprint is also determined.
Initially, morphological markers were used to identify plant genotypes.
However, phenotype is not solely determined by genotype but is also strongly influenced by environmental factors, and for many plant species, some morphological markers may only be observed years later.
Molecular marker techniques are requisite for the genetic characterization of old, rare and endangered varieties stored in gene banks and used as potential breeding materials.
By quickly and efficiently testing varieties, lines, and gene bank items, molecular markers facilitate the selection of genotypes to be used as input for breeding programs.
DNA-based testing, such as DNA fingerprinting, offers a simple routine procedure to identify genotypes at any developmental stage.
This can save time and money by detecting non-true-to-type material at the beginning of the conservation process.
The Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, of MATE has been using molecular genetic markers for genotyping field and horticultural crops for more than two decades.
We have prepared SSR databases for several plant species (grape, apple, apricot, plum, cherry, sweet cherry, peach, pepper) cultivated in Hungary and maintained in the gene banks.
DNA fingerprinting has helped identify genotypes where mistakes occurred during preservation in several cases.
Unfortunately, DNA fingerprinting is not yet required for gene bank storage today, but we hope it will be mandatory in the future.
Maintaining the genetic identity of the genotypes in gene banks is one of the most significant challenges in conservation.
They could be used as raw material for plant breeding if, besides their phenotypic description, their genetic fingerprint is also determined.
Initially, morphological markers were used to identify plant genotypes.
However, phenotype is not solely determined by genotype but is also strongly influenced by environmental factors, and for many plant species, some morphological markers may only be observed years later.
Molecular marker techniques are requisite for the genetic characterization of old, rare and endangered varieties stored in gene banks and used as potential breeding materials.
By quickly and efficiently testing varieties, lines, and gene bank items, molecular markers facilitate the selection of genotypes to be used as input for breeding programs.
DNA-based testing, such as DNA fingerprinting, offers a simple routine procedure to identify genotypes at any developmental stage.
This can save time and money by detecting non-true-to-type material at the beginning of the conservation process.
The Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, of MATE has been using molecular genetic markers for genotyping field and horticultural crops for more than two decades.
We have prepared SSR databases for several plant species (grape, apple, apricot, plum, cherry, sweet cherry, peach, pepper) cultivated in Hungary and maintained in the gene banks.
DNA fingerprinting has helped identify genotypes where mistakes occurred during preservation in several cases.
Unfortunately, DNA fingerprinting is not yet required for gene bank storage today, but we hope it will be mandatory in the future.
Authors
A. Veres, J. Bedő, Z. Kovács, A.K. Tóth-Lencsés, B. Pápai, E. Kiss, A. Szőke
Keywords
gene bank, molecular markers, DNA fingerprint, SSR database
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