Author
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DEL RIO, ALFONSO - DEPT OF HORT UW MADISON |
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Bamberg, John |
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Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Strategies to maximize capture of genetic variation are essential in germplasm conservation. Sampling diversity would become more efficient if collecting explorations had clearly defined target areas. This research investigated whether eco-geographical structure has a significant association with patterns of genetic variation in wild potato populations. This study used 96 populations collected from the southwestern US: 43 populations of Solanum fendleri (2n=2x=48) and 53 of S. jamesii (2n=2x=24). These species represent two of the most predominant breeding systems among Solanum species. RAPD markers were used to assess genetic variation through: (1) estimation of genetic differences and (2) estimation of genetic diversity. Results from 2,282 pairwise comparisons suggest that patterns of genetic differentiation are not explained by differences in eco-geographical variables. Remarkably, physical separation, a parameter very often used for collecting germplasm, did not predict genetic differentiation very well. The assessment of genetic diversity revealed that eco-geographical variables significantly predicted genetic diversity in S. fendleri populations. In contrast, genetic diversity had no significant association with eco-geographic components for the diploid species S. jamesii. This study reveals how genetic variation relates to geographical and environmental variables at sites of origin such information could help to enhance efficiency in collecting strategies. |
