Measuring Genetic Diversity in Wild Grapevines Using DNA Markers

Jenn Hoskins
4th August, 2024

Measuring Genetic Diversity in Wild Grapevines Using DNA Markers

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Akdeniz University studied the genetic diversity of 64 grapevine genotypes from the Southeast Mediterranean Region of Turkey
  • They used two types of molecular markers, iPBS and SSR, to analyze genetic variation and found that iPBS markers were more informative
  • The study revealed significant genetic diversity and differentiation within the wild grapevine populations, which can aid in grapevine breeding programs
The study of grapevine germplasm, particularly from wild genotypes, is crucial for the advancement of grapevine breeding programs, as these genotypes often possess greater genetic variation and potential for desirable traits. This recent study conducted by researchers at Akdeniz University[1] aimed to explore the genetic diversity and population structure of 64 grapevine genotypes using two types of molecular markers: inter-primer binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon markers and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The study generated 236 bands using iPBS markers, with 162 of these bands showing polymorphism. Additionally, 126 SSR alleles were assessed, revealing 91 polymorphic alleles. While the number of polymorphic bands produced by iPBS (6.48) and SSR markers (6.5) were similar, iPBS markers demonstrated a higher polymorphism information content (PIC: 0.39) compared to SSR markers (0.29). This suggests that iPBS markers may be more informative for genetic characterization in grapevine populations. The genetic analysis grouped the genotypes into two primary clusters using UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) analysis at a similarity index of 0.62. The rootstocks, used as reference points, were consolidated into a single cluster (A), distinct from both the Mediterranean wild population and cultivated varieties. The genetic variation, represented by FST values, indicated the highest differentiation between subpopulations SP3 and SP5. Notably, the wild grapevine population in the Southeast Mediterranean Region of Turkey exhibited significant genetic differentiation. This study builds on previous research on grapevine genetics. For instance, earlier studies have highlighted the domestication and spread of the Eurasian grape (Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa) from its wild ancestor (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris)[2]. These studies suggested multiple origins for cultivated grapevines, with significant genetic contributions from local wild populations in both the Near East and the western Mediterranean region. The findings from the current study align with this, as they reveal considerable genetic diversity and differentiation within wild grapevine populations in the Mediterranean region. Moreover, the use of SSR markers in grapevine genetic studies has been well-documented. For example, research on Cretan grapevine cultivars employed SSR markers to characterize genetic structure and diversity, identifying distinct genetic groups and high heterozygosity[3]. The current study's use of SSR markers complements these earlier findings, providing further insights into the genetic makeup of grapevine populations. Additionally, the application of iPBS markers in this study is noteworthy. iPBS markers, which target retrotransposons (genetic elements that can move around the genome), have been shown to be effective in assessing genetic diversity in other plant species, such as Fagaceae (oak family)[4]. The higher polymorphism information content of iPBS markers observed in this study underscores their utility in grapevine genetic research. The results from Akdeniz University's study not only enhance our understanding of grapevine genetic diversity but also have practical implications for grapevine breeding programs. By identifying and characterizing genetic variation within wild and cultivated grapevine populations, breeders can better select parent plants with desirable traits, potentially leading to the development of improved cultivars and rootstocks. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive genetic analysis of grapevine genotypes using both iPBS and SSR markers, revealing significant genetic diversity and population structure. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of grapevine genetics and offer valuable insights for future breeding efforts. By integrating these results with previous research, the study underscores the importance of genetic diversity in wild grapevine populations and their potential role in the development of superior grapevine cultivars.

AgricultureGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Estimating genetic diversity among selected wild grapevine genotypes from Southern Turkey by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-Primer Binding Site(iPBS) markers

Published 2nd August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-02102-3

Related Studies

2) Multiple origins of cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sativa) based on chloroplast DNA polymorphisms.

Journal: Molecular ecology, Issue: Vol 15, Issue 12, Oct 2006

3) Genetic Diversity and Structure Analysis Assessed by SSR Markers in a Large Collection of Vitis Cultivars from the Island of Crete, Greece.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10528-019-09943-z

4) Molecular characterization of Fagaceae species using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-018-4146-3


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