RAPD fingerprinting of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars
P G Lanham1, R M Brennan, C Hackett
1Soft Fruit Genetics Department, Scottish Crop Research Institute, DD2 5DA, Invergowrie, Dundee, UK.
Summary
Genetic analysis of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers revealed limited genetic diversity. This suggests a narrower genetic basis for blackcurrant improvement than previously assumed.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Molecular biology
- Horticulture
Background:
- Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for crop improvement.
- Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) is an economically important fruit crop.
- Previous assessments of blackcurrant genetic variation may not fully reflect molecular data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic variation within Ribes nigrum germplasm.
- To identify reliable DNA markers for blackcurrant cultivar fingerprinting.
- To compare molecularly detected genetic diversity with parentage analysis.
Main Methods:
- Screening of Ribes nigrum germplasm using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers.
- Identification of 54 polymorphic markers.
- Generation of individual DNA fingerprints for 21 blackcurrant cultivars.
Main Results:
- Fifty-four random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were identified.
- Individual genetic fingerprints were generated for all 21 Ribes nigrum cultivars.
- The detected genetic variation indicated a narrower genetic basis for blackcurrant improvement than expected from parentage analysis.
Conclusions:
- Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers are effective for differentiating blackcurrant cultivars.
- The genetic diversity within the studied Ribes nigrum germplasm is relatively narrow.
- This finding has implications for breeding strategies aimed at improving blackcurrant traits.
