Collection of Popcorn as a Reservoir of Genes for the Generation of Lineages

• Published in: Molecular biotechnology Vol. 53; no. 3; pp. 300 - 307
• Main Authors: de Carvalho, Misael Severino Nunes, Mangolin, Claudete Aparecida, Scapim, Carlos Alberto, da Silva, Teresa Aparecida, de Fátima Pires da Silva Machado, Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer-Verlag 01.03.2013; Humana Press Inc; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agricultural biotechnology; agronomic traits; Alleles; Biochemistry; Biological Techniques; Biotechnology; Breeding; Cell Biology; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Corn; crossing; Cultivars; DNA, Plant - genetics; DNA, Plant - isolation & purification; genes; Genetic diversity; Genetic Loci; Genetic structure; Genetic Variation; Genotypes; heterozygosity; Heterozygote; Human Genetics; inbred lines; loci; Microsatellite Repeats; Polymorphism, Genetic; popcorn; Population differentiation; Protein Science; Satellite DNA; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays; Zea mays - genetics; Brazil; SSR locus; Microsatellite; Genetic diversity; Popcorn
• ISSN: 1073-6085; 1559-0305
• DOI: 10.1007/s12033-012-9527-6

In the present study, we analyze the genetic structure and diversity among accessions of popcorn obtained from the CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center that represent the diversity available for current use by breeding programs. The main objectives were to identify SSR loci that were the best indicators of genetic diversity, to measure the genetic diversity within popcorn genotypes, and to analyze the genetic structure of the promising populations destined for use in breeding programs. The mean gene diversity of all SSR loci was 0.6352. An extremely high population differentiation level was detected (F ₛₜ = 0.3152) with F ₛₜ for each locus ranging from 0.1125 (Umc1229) to 0.4870 (Umc1755). Analyzing the genetic structure of eight popcorn accessions was especially important for identifying both SSR loci with high levels of heterozygosity and genotypes showing high heterozygosity (BOYA462 and ARZM13 050). This analysis should be the medium and long-term selection goal for the generation of inbred lines and the future production of new cultivars. Plant accessions ARZM05 083, ARZM13 050, and URUG298 may also be useful varieties that exhibit important agronomic characteristics that can be used through crosses to broaden the genetic basis of popcorn.