Genetic Diversity of Seven Representative Germplasm Populations in Chinese Maize Breeding Programs

Abstract

Knowledge of the genetic diversity of elite germplasm is of fundamental importance for crop improvement. The objectives of this study were to examine molecular genetic diversity within and among seven representative germplasm populations in China, and identify valuable allelic variation that may be used in maize (Zea mays L.) improvement. Thirty individuals from each of the populations were genotyped using 61 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that are uniformly distributed across the entire maize genome. A total of 308 alleles were detected in the 210 genotypes assayed. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 72.1% of the variation was found within populations, and only 27.9% among populations. Gene diversity within each population ranged from 0.34 to 0.53, with a mean of 0.41. Rogers’ pairwise distances between populations averaged 0.44 and ranged from 0.34 to 0.54. Alleles that occur uniquely within each population or those that occur at highly different frequencies among populations can be used to distinguish these populations and allow their efficient utilization in maize improvement. Results from this study may provide useful information for future maize improvement and breeding programs.Core Ideas Molecular genetic diversity within and among seven representative germplasm populations in Chinese maize breeding programs. Alleles unique within each population or those at highly different frequencies among populations can be used to distinguish the seven maize populations and allow their efficient utilization in germplasm improvement. Molecular characterization of the seven diverse maize populations will contribute to their efficient management and effective utilization in maize improvement.