Abstract
One thousand and forty three (1043) maize genotypes including white and yellow maize inbred lines as well as hybrids from the public germplasm collection were characterized with 80 microsatellite markers distributed throughout the genome. A total of 1874 alleles were amplified and used in the genetic diversity analysis. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed the geographical distribution of the breeding lines. Cluster analysis using Rogers distance measures placed the breeding lines in several clusters and corresponded well with known pedigrees. Lines with mixed origin were classified in separate clusters and duplicate entries in the collection were identified. These mixed lines could not be placed in known heterotic groups, but could rather be used to identify new groups to be used in the breeding program. The genetic distances determined in the study can be applied to plan a more focused breeding program. Keywords: Genetic distances, maize, microsatellites.
Highlights
Maize is one of the most widely grown crops worldwide and certainly an important staple food in the African diet
These mixed lines could not be placed in known heterotic groups, but could rather be used to identify new groups to be used in the breeding program
When looking at the separate populations tested, the mean number of alleles per locus was the highest for the yellow maize breeding lines, which had the highest entries in the screening program (Table 2)
Summary
Maize is one of the most widely grown crops worldwide and certainly an important staple food in the African diet. It is used as human food, animal feed and provides an important source of income and employment for a large proportion of the population. Maize breeding is monopolized by large multi-national private companies, with little attention given to more specific needs of local markets. The public sector breeding program is essential in breeding and providing varieties for this niche market as well as providing inbred lines to local private companies. Several heterotic groups are currently identified and used in the local breeding program.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
