Techniques to aid the management of genetic diversity in genebanks including the role of molecular markers.

Abstract

Abstract There are number of methods applied to assess accessions in genebanks ranging from scoring morphological traits to biochemical and molecular analyses. In most cases, the methods are complementary to each other and they aim at different results. Characterization data including biochemical methods often show low levels of polymorphisms and are difficult to interpret. However, evaluation of data produced using molecular techniques is playing an increasingly important role in analysing specific genes, generating genetic maps and understanding genetic diversity, phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships. Many reviewers have highlighted the advantages and limitations of basic molecular techniques. However, recent developments in marker techniques, in combination with advantageous characteristics of several basic techniques, provide a better sensitivity and resolution to detect genetic distinctiveness. These new-generation molecular markers use newer classes of DNA elements which detect genetic variation through increased genome coverage. This paper attempts to summarize the uses of molecular markers to aid the management of genetic diversity in genebanks. Traditional agro-morphological traits, the selection of core collections to enhance utilization and other complementarities are highlighted.