Evaluation of genetic diversity in sugarcane cultivars based on DNA markers and morphological traits

Abstract

Sugarcane is known for its highly complex genetics and more knowledge is needed for better use and conservation of genetic materials. In order to identify genotypes and to assess genetic diversity, diverse data sets such as morphological and molecular markers are used as a general approach. To evaluate the usefulness of different markers, important sugarcane genotypes in Argentina were characterized by AFLP, SSR and morphological traits. All genotypes characterized were grouped in one main cluster in dendrograms using two independent softwares. Inter- estingly, local genotypes grouped together with USA varieties and no clear genetic differentiation could be found probably due to intensive germplasm exchange between these breeding programs. The molecular markers tested were useful for genetic diversity assessment as well as for genotype identification. These markers should be included in the internationally established characters for sugarcane variety protection as they give a better view on whole genome complexity.Additionally, genetic similarities obtained from molecular markers will provide more accurate information to breeders than the pedigree method, especially when considering the asymmetric genetic inheritance of sugarcane. Morphological traits are valuable tools to identify genotypes since they reflect external resemblance more than genetic relatedness. When they were combined withmolecularmarkers the dendogram obtained revealed genetic relationships and the genetic diversity was better estimated. In summary, both methods appear to be useful, complementing each other and should be used together to assist sugarcane breeders in estimating genetic diversity, electing parents for crossings, identifying superior lines and to protect intellectual property rights.