Development and application of RFLP and RAPD DNA markers in genetic improvement of Pennisetum for biomass and forage production

• Autores: R.L. Smith, J. Drew Seib, S. C. Schank, M.K.U. Chowdhury
• Localización: Biomass and bioenergy, ISSN 0961-9534, Vol. 5, Nº 1, 1993, pág. 51
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The objective of this research was to use new molecular techniques to improve efficiency of traditional breeding programs of Pennisetum for biomass and forage production. Restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genetic markers were developed to characterize the Pennisetum purpureum genome and those markers were used to facilitate genetic study and breeding improvement. Standard RFLP and RAPD methodologies were adapted and/or modified to work well with Pennisetum and the DNA marker system was developed. This marker system was used to “fingerprint” the P. purpureum plant introduction collection, to determine the genetic diversity in that collection, to measure heterozygosity of selected lines and to measure hybridization/self fertilization rates using different crossing methods. Linkage relationships were studied between the DNA markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL), especially those loci associated with biomass/forage productivity, conversion to methane and rumen digestibility. Linkage analyses revealed 64 markers were linked to QTL of 26 plant traits. Those QTL-linked markers form the basis for genetic study of important biomasstforage productivity and quality traits. While the research was conducted with biomass for energy objectives, it is equally applicable to forage production and quality.