Genetic Structure and Diversity among Radish Varieties as Inferred from AFLP and ISSR Analyses

Abstract

Twelve amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations and 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers were applied to estimate genetic diversity among 68 varieties of cultivated radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The material consisted of open-pollinated varieties, inbred lines, diploid and a few tetraploid hybrid varieties of garden radish [R. sativus var. sativus DC. convar. radicula (DC.) Alef.] and black radish [R. sativus var. niger (Mill.) Pers.]. Two accessions of uncultivated relatives of radish that as weeds cause serious contamination during the process of hybrid radish production were added to the analyses. Polymorphic fragments were scored for calculation of Jaccard's coefficient of genetic similarity (GS). Substantial level of genetic variability (average AFLP-based GS = 0.70; average ISSR-based GS = 0.61) was detected in the available germplasm of cultivated radish. Cluster analyses separated two weedy species from the cultivated germplasm. Within cultivated material, black radish and french breakfast radish types formed separate clusters. Based on AFLP data, a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and model-based approach revealed the genetic structure within cultivated radish germplasm and indicated the existence of divergent pools. Although the model-based approach did not separate black radish from french breakfast radish varieties, it offered a clear sub-division within garden radish germplasm. The results of this study may be relevant for hybrid radish breeding.