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Chloroplast DNA microsatellite analysis supports a polyphyletic origin for barley
J-L Molina-Cano1, J R Russell, M A Moralejo
1Centre UdL-IRTA, Av. Rovira Roure 177, 25189, Lleida, Spain. joseluis.molina@irta.es
Summary
Genetic analysis of barley reveals a polyphyletic origin, suggesting multiple centers of domestication. This study utilized chloroplast DNA microsatellites to explore relationships in wild and cultivated barley.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Plant Science
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Understanding barley's genetic diversity and origin is crucial for crop improvement.
- Chloroplast DNA microsatellites (cpSSRs) are valuable markers for studying plant genetic relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relationships among wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) and cultivated barley (H. vulgare ssp. vulgare) accessions.
- To propose an origin for barley based on molecular data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 186 barley accessions using five polymorphic chloroplast DNA microsatellite loci.
- Haplotype analysis and cluster analysis to determine genetic groupings.
Main Results:
- Fifteen multi-locus haplotypes were identified, with unique haplotypes found in both wild and cultivated barley.
- Cluster analysis revealed two main groups, with distinct groupings of wild and cultivated accessions.
- The presence of unique haplotypes in cultivated barley suggests multiple origins.
Conclusions:
- A polyphyletic origin for barley is proposed, indicating multiple centers of domestication.
- Ethiopia and the Western Mediterranean are suggested as additional centers of origin for barley.