Genetic diversity analysis and transferability of cereal EST-SSR markers to orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L)

The diversity and genetic relationships among 74 orchardgrass accessions were analyzed using cereal EST-SSRs and orchardgrass SSR markers in order to estimate genetic variability and compare the level of diversity In total 190 polymorphic bands were detected with an average of 6 3 alleles per SSR loci The average polymorphic rate (P) for the species was 84 63% suggesting a high degree of genetic diversity The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed that the proportion of variance explained by within- and among-geographical groups diversity was 74 87% and 25 13% respectively The distinct geographical divergence of orchardgrass was revealed between Americas and Oceania The ecogeographical conditions such as climate and soil genetic drift and mating system could be the crucial factors for genetic divergence Furthermore the study also indicated that northern Africa Europe and temperate Asia might be the diversity differentiation center of orchardgrass The result will facilitate the breeding program and germplasm collection and conservation Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved