ARS | Publication request: An AFLP marker core collection for Solanum microdontum

Submitted to: Potato Association of America Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 14, 2012
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Citation: Bamberg, J.B., Del Rio, A. 2013. An AFLP marker core collection for Solanum microdontum. Potato Association of America Proceedings. 90:124.

Technical Abstract: Solanum microdontum is a diploid potato species with features that make it a good model for research into management and use of germplasm in the genebank. Its taxonomic status is unambiguous and it is in the taxonomic series of wild species closest to cultivated forms. It is represented by about 100 populations in the genebank—not too many for comprehensive evaluation, yet not too few to make prioritization of the most valuable populations worthwhile. This species is also particularly rich in desirable traits, often exhibiting very broad segregation. We here report use of DNA markers for selection of a representative core set with respect to economic traits. DNA was extracted from bulks of 27 plants from each of 94 populations to generate AFLPs. A total of 1741 informative loci were detected. AFLP loci were treated as though they were traits, with the banded condition considered to be the desired state to include in a core set. At least one band unique to a population was present in 45 populations, and these 45 populations together captured 98% of all bands. Adding another 14 populations for a total of 59 captured all bands. This core set was assessed for whether it encompassed those populations known to have useful traits, including nutritional and quality components; and disease, stress and pest resistances. As with AFLP bands, all 25 of the most desirable phenotypic traits were also found in populations in the core set of 59 populations. These AFLP markers may also reveal the influence of eco-geo parameters, and introgression from other species. (Oral, Breeding & Genetics, Membership #442).