Mean Number Of Alleles Research Articles

Pheno-morphological variation, genetic diversity and population structure of Tunisian Echinus Medic (Medicago ciliaris L.).

Medicago ciliaris L., considered as a valuable genetic resource, is a good candidate for the improvement of marginal or degraded lands with low fertility or high salinity. In this study, the pheno-morphological and genetic diversity were investigated in 14 Tunisian populations of M. ciliaris for the first time. Fourteen morphological traits showed significant differentiation between populations and high levels of diversity. Two amplified fragment length polymorphism primer combinations (E-AGC/M-CAA; E-AAG/M-CTG) were analyzed using an automated capillary electrophoresis system. A total of 528 loci were generated, of which 54% were polymorphic. Allelic polymorphism ranged from 0.02 to 0.5. Significant variation between populations was found for gene diversity, mean number of alleles per locus and Shannon index for which mean values were 0.17, 0.26, and 1.57, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a high rate of genetic variation within populations. Principal component analysis and genotypic clustering discriminated M. ciliaris populations according to their geographical origin. M. ciliaris clustered into three main groups. The first group was associated with high inland and cold areas, the second was defined by low areas with mild winters while the third described low coastal areas. Similarity of morphological and molecular results indicated that either markers could be used for the study of genetic diversity in this species.

High polymorphism at microsatellite loci in the Chinese donkey.

To reveal the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between Chinese donkey breeds, 415 individuals representing ten breeds were investigated using ten microsatellite markers. The observed number of alleles, mean effective number of alleles (NE), mean expected heterozygosity (HE), and polymorphic information content (PIC) of each breed and polymorphic locus were analyzed. The results showed that seven (HTG7, HTG10, AHT4, HTG6, HMS6, HMS3, and HMS7) of ten microsatellite loci were polymorphic. The mean PIC, HE, and NE of seven polymorphic loci for the ten donkey breeds were 0.7679, 0.8072, and 6.0275, respectively. These results suggest that domestic Chinese donkey breeds possess higher levels of genetic diversity and heterozygosity than foreign donkeys. A neighbor-joining tree based on Nei's standard genetic distance showed that there was close genetic distance among Xinjiang, Qingyang, Xiji, and Guanzhong donkey breeds. In addition, Mongolia and Dezhou donkey breeds were placed in the same category. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the genetic relationships between Chinese donkey breeds are consistent with their geographic distribution and breeding history.

Cross-species amplification and polymorphism of microsatellite loci in Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazilian cropping systems

The Old World bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) was recently discovered in Brazil. This species is closely related to the New World bollworm H. zea (Boddie), and mating between these species has already been reported under laboratory conditions. Here, we tested the cross-species amplification of 20 microsatellite (SSR) loci in field populations of H. armigera and H. zea collected from Brazilian cropping systems. Seven SSR loci were successfully amplified and polymorphic in both species except for the locus HaC14, which was monomorphic for H. zea. All SSR loci were in linkage equilibrium, and deviations from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium were only observed for the locus HarSSR1 in the HaRS-2 population, where null alleles were present. A moderate level of polymorphism was detected in H. armigera and H. zea populations with a mean allele number of 4.14, and 2.24, respectively. Interestingly, most of the populations of the recent invader H. armigera showed higher genetic diversity and inbreeding coefficients than H. zea populations. The genetic identity of each species was recovered using a STRUCTURE analysis, where the populations formed two clusters (K = 2) according to their species. STRUCTURE also suggested the occurrence of potential hybrid offspring between H. armigera and H. zea individuals in natural conditions. These SSR loci will be valuable in characterizing population differentiation, invasion routes, adaptation, reproductive behavior, and intra- and interspecific gene flow in H. armigera and H. zea populations in Brazil, the USA, and other areas where these two pests occur.

Allozyme variation of the endemic and vulnerable Dyera lowii Hook.f. in Central Kalimantan: Implications for genetic resources conservation

Dyera lowii is an endemic and vulnerable tree species of commercial value as chewing gum found inpeat swamp forests, scatteredly distributed in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Peninsular Malaysia. Their existenceis now under severe threat due to habitat conversion. This study is aimed to assess genetic diversity withinfour natural populations (Hampangen, Parahangan, Sebangau, Selat Nusa ) and one plantation in CentralKalimantan based on allozyme variation. Electrophoresis procedures were conducted with an isoelectricfocusing polyacrylamide slab gel system. The result showed high genetic diversity (HE=0.52) and gene fl ow(3.402) seemed to be effective. A total of 14 alleles were found among all the analysed population. Meannumber of alleles per locus (Aa) was 3.206, and the effective number of alleles per locus (Ae) was 2.21. Geneticdifferentiation between populations (FST) was signifi cant at the moderately level (0.0685). Most allozymevariation was found within population (93.2%). Special attention is essential to conserve a private allele ofGot-1-e (9%) at Selat Nusa population. Sebangau population missed the alleles of Est-2-b and Got-1-a, as foundin other populations. Selat Nusa population is expected to enhance the effective management for geneticresources conservation of this vulnerable species in the future.

Aspetti biologici, ecologici e genetici di popolamenti di frassino ossifillo (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) dell’Italia nord-orientale

Abstract: Narrow leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) is an important forest tree belonging to peculiar and threatened ecosystems, where it forms mixed populations with other deciduous trees. Its range partly overlaps with that of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and interspecific cross is possible. These habitats are of the utmost importance due to their high level of biodiversity, but highly threatened by human activities. Since climate change is expected to favor the diffusion of narrow leaved ash, a study was carried out with the aim of enhancing our knowledge of the biological, ecological and genetic aspects of this species. Twelve populations of narrow leaved ash from north-eastern Italy were sampled and their genetic variability was analyzed by means of six molecular markers (nuclear microsatellites), of which 4 gave consistent and repeatable results. Overall, 113 alleles were observed, of which 38 were present in only one population (private alleles). Consistent levels of genetic variability was found (mean number of alleles per locus = 7.08, effective number of alleles per locus = 4.37, expected heterozygosity = 0.613), though lower than those reported in the literature. Fixation index was very close to zero, indicating a good agreement with Hardy-Weinberg’s expectations. The genetic differentiation among populations was significant (both GST e FST as high as 0.102), although it was not possible to correlate the distribution of genetic variability with ecological or geographical factors. Genetic pools of F. excelsior and F. angustifolia were distinct, though several individuals showed intermediate genetic characteristics, especially in the population from Grotta di Farra where both species are present and many individuals showed intermediate morphological features. The presence of individuals possibly originated by interspecific cross should be taken into account in the case of seed collection. Our results may contribute to a rationale management of genetic resources of narrow leaved ash, also considering the current legislation on forest reproductive material.

Microsatellite and Mitochondrial Diversity Analysis of Native Pigs of Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

ABSTRACTAssessment of genetic diversity in indigenous animals is an important and essential task for animal genetic improvement studies as well as conservation decision-making. The genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among geographically and phenotypically distinct three pig breeds/types native to Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalayan global biodiversity hotspots were determined by genotyping with a panel of 22 ISAG recommended microsatellite loci as well as sequencing partial MTRNR1gene. The mean number of alleles per locus, effective number of alleles and observed heterozygosity were found to be 11.27 ± 0.85, 5.29 ± 0.34, and 0.795 ± 0.01, respectively. The moderate FST value (0.115 ± 0.01) indicated a fair degree of genetic differentiation among the native breeds. The Nei’s unbiased genetic identity estimates indicated less genetic distance (0.2909) between Niang Megha and Tenyi Vo pigs than the both individually with Ghoongroo breed. The divergence time was also estimated from the microsatellite analysis. Analysis of MTRNR1gene revealed distinct clustering of native Indian pigs with Chinese pigs over European pigs. The study revealed the abundance of genetic variation within native Indian pigs and their relationships as well as genetic distances.

Genetic diversity, multiplicity of infection and population structure of Schistosoma mansoni isolates from human hosts in Ethiopia.

BackgroundHuman intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni and urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium are endemic in Ethiopia. Although schistosomes look morphologically uniform, there is variation in infectivity, egg productivity and virulence due to variation in their genetic make. Knowing the genetic diversity and population structure of S. mansoni isolates will enable to understand and consider the possible variability in terms of infectivity, egg productivity and virulence.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2011, genetic diversity and population structure of Schistosoma mansoni isolates from four endemic areas of Ethiopia was assessed using previously published 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Miracidia were hatched from eggs of S. mansoni collected from stools of human subjects residing in Kemissie, Wondo Genet, Ziway and Sille-Elgo villages. DNA was extracted from single miracidium and PCR was run following standard protocol. Allelic polymorphism and population genetic structure was analyzed using different software.ResultAt a population level (i.e. different villages), the mean number of alleles per locus, allelic richness, expected heterozygosity in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and pairwise FST values ranged from 8.5 to 11.5, 3.46–20.8, 0.66–0.73 and 3.57–13.63 %, respectively. All analyzes on population genetic structure reveals strong genetic structuration corresponding to the four sampled villages. At infrapopulation level (i.e. different hosts) the mean number of alleles per locus, allelic richness, expected heterozygosity in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and FIS values ranged from 3.09 to 7.55, 1–1.96, 0.59–0.73 and 0.1763–0.4989, respectively. Mean estimated genetically unique adult worm pairs within hosts ranged from 66 to 92 % revealing the occurrence of infection of a single host with genetically unique multiple S. mansoni strains. The data also indicated the occurrence of genetic variation within inter- and intra-hosts.ConclusionHigh level of genetic diversity and significant population differentiation characterized the S. mansoni isolates of Ethiopia. These results are quite different from previous studies demonstrating that it is difficult to generalize schistosome transmission patterns because epidemiological situation tends to vary. These are important factors to be considered in relation with morbidity, drug resistance or vaccine development.

Genetic diversity in South African Nguni cattle ecotypes based on microsatellite markers.

The Nguni cattle breed is a landrace breed adapted to different ecological regions of South Africa. A number of ecotypes are recognised based on phenotype within the breed, but it is not known if they are genetically distinct. In this study, molecular characterisation was performed on Makhathini (MAK), Pedi (PED), Shangaan (SHA) and Venda (VEN) Nguni cattle ecotypes. Two Nguni cattle populations, not kept as separate ecotypes, from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Agricultural Research Council Loskop South farm (LOS) were also included. Genotypic data was generated for 189 unrelated Nguni cattle selected based on pedigree records using 22 microsatellite markers. The expected heterozygosity values varied from 69% (UFH) to 72% (PED) with a mean number of alleles ranging from 6.0 to 6.9. The F ST estimate demonstrated that 4.8% of the total genetic variation was due to the genetic differentiation between the populations and 92.2% accounted for differences within the populations. The genetic distances and structure analysis revealed the closest relationship between MAK, PEDI and SHA ecotypes, followed by SHA and VEN. The UFH population clustered with the MAK ecotype, indicating that they are more genetically similar, while the LOS cattle grouped as a distinct cluster. Results suggest that the genetic differentiation between the PED and SHA ecotypes is low and can be regarded as one ecotype based on limited genetic differences. The results of this study can be applied as a point of reference for further genetic studies towards conservation of Nguni cattle ecotypes.

Genetic diversity and relationship of Indonesian indigenous chickens inferred from microsatellite DNA markers

A total of 1178 individuals of nearly complete sampling of 49 populations belong to 14 most popular Indonesian indigenous chicken breeds, geographically localized in different islands, were genotyped using 20 microsatellite DNA markers to investigate their molecular diversity and genetic relationship. In total, 259 alleles were observed among 49 populations of Indonesian indigenous chickens across 20 loci. The mean number of alleles (MNA) per locus ranged from 4.20 to 7.60. The observed (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) values averaged over loci varied from 0.50 to 0.67 and from 0.55 to 0.72, respectively, and they displayed a similar distribution pattern to that observed for MNA across the populations. The results indicated that there was rich and unique genetic diversity among most of the populations. The presence of significantly positive FIS values (P < 0.05), suggested the occurrence of inbreeding within most of these populations, leading to partition genetic diversity among the major islands. Some localized chicken populations have developed a distinct genetic background due to historical trading and long term geographic isolation. On the other hand, a few populations kept in urban areas may have been genetically introgressed with commercial chicken breeds/lines to some extent, forming different genetic structure. These findings will serve as scientific basis for the development of rational policies to sustainably conserve and utilize these unique Indonesian indigenous chicken genetic resources.

Discovery of Genome-Wide Microsatellite Markers in Scombridae: A Pilot Study on Albacore Tuna.

Recent developments in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis provide a greater amount of DNA sequencing reads at a low cost. Microsatellites are the markers of choice for a variety of population genetic studies, and high quality markers can be discovered in non-model organisms, such as tuna, with these recent developments. Here, we use a high-throughput method to isolate microsatellite markers in albacore tuna, Thunnus alalunga, based on coupling multiplex enrichment and next-generation sequencing on 454 GS-FLX Titanium pyrosequencing. The crucial minimum number of polymorphic markers to infer evolutionary and ecological processes for this species has been described for the first time. We provide 1670 microsatellite design primer pairs, and technical and molecular genetics selection resulting in 43 polymorphic microsatellite markers. On this panel, we characterized 34 random and selectively neutral markers («neutral») and 9 «non-neutral» markers. The variability of «neutral» markers was screened with 136 individuals of albacore tuna from southwest Indian Ocean (42), northwest Indian Ocean (31), South Africa (31), and southeast Atlantic Ocean (32). Power analysis demonstrated that the panel of genetic markers can be applied in diversity and population genetics studies. Global genetic diversity for albacore was high with a mean number of alleles at 16.94; observed heterozygosity 66% and expected heterozygosity 77%. The number of individuals was insufficient to provide accurate results on differentiation. Of the 9 «non-neutral» markers, 3 were linked to a sequence of known function. The one is located to a sequence having an immunity function (ThuAla-Tcell-01) and the other to a sequence having energy allocation function (ThuAla-Hki-01). These two markers were genotyped on the 136 individuals and presented different diversity levels. ThuAla-Tcell-01 has a high number of alleles (20), heterozygosity (87–90%), and assignment index. ThuAla-Hki-01 has a lower number of alleles (9), low heterozygosity (24–27%), low assignment index and significant inbreeding. Finally, the 34 «neutral» and 3 «non-neutral» microsatellites markers were tested on four economically important Scombridae species—Thunnus albacares, Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus obesus, and Acanthocybium solandri.

Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in Haiti: Insights from Microsatellite Markers.

Hispaniola, comprising Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has been identified as a candidate for malaria elimination. However, incomplete surveillance data in Haiti hamper efforts to assess the impact of ongoing malaria control interventions. Characteristics of the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum populations can be used to assess parasite transmission, which is information vital to evaluating malaria elimination efforts. Here we characterize the genetic diversity of P. falciparum samples collected from patients at seven sites in Haiti using 12 microsatellite markers previously employed in population genetic analyses of global P. falciparum populations. We measured multiplicity of infections, level of genetic diversity, degree of population geographic substructure, and linkage disequilibrium (defined as non-random association of alleles from different loci). For low transmission populations like Haiti, we expect to see few multiple infections, low levels of genetic diversity, high degree of population structure, and high linkage disequilibrium. In Haiti, we found low levels of multiple infections (12.9%), moderate to high levels of genetic diversity (mean number of alleles per locus = 4.9, heterozygosity = 0.61), low levels of population structure (highest pairwise Fst = 0.09 and no clustering in principal components analysis), and moderate linkage disequilibrium (ISA = 0.05, P<0.0001). In addition, population bottleneck analysis revealed no evidence for a reduction in the P. falciparum population size in Haiti. We conclude that the high level of genetic diversity and lack of evidence for a population bottleneck may suggest that Haiti’s P. falciparum population has been stable and discuss the implications of our results for understanding the impact of malaria control interventions. We also discuss the relevance of parasite population history and other host and vector factors when assessing transmission intensity from genetic diversity data.

Genetic analysis of a rare isolated species: A tough little West Texas oak,Quercus hinckleyiC.H. Mull.1

Abstract Low levels of genetic variability, inbreeding, and limited gene flow are three possible threats to small, isolated plant populations as exemplified by Quercus hinckleyi C.H. Muller. J. This scrub oak species has survived over the past 10,000 years in a region in which the climate has become increasingly xeric. While more prevalent after the last ice age, its US range is now limited to a handful of populations in one county in West Texas. This study examines the genetic diversity of the relict metapopulation and resultant conservation implications. We used microsatellites to genotype a total of 204 ramets collected from three locations in Presidio County, TX, that represent all known occurrences of Q. hinckleyi. Analyses of eight loci were used to determine levels of genetic variability, population structure and clonal growth. Genetic diversity for the sampled plants was high: for the total metapopulation, the mean number of alleles (Na) was 17.875; the mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.807;...

Mining simple sequence repeats inPicrorhiza kurroatranscriptomes for assessing genetic diversity among accessions varying for picrosides contents

Picrorhiza kurroa(family Scrophulariaceae) is a high value medicinal herb used in herbal drug formulations like picroliv, picrolax, etc. It has been collected recklessly from its natural habitat posing endangered status for its existence, thereby necessitating characterization of genetic diversity for its sustainable utilization and conservation. In this study, picrosides content and genetic profiles of 26 accessions ofP. kurroafrom different locations in north-western Himalayas have been analysed. Picroside-I (P-I) content ranged from 0.37 to 2.7% in fresh shoots whereas total picrosides content (P-I+P-II) ranged from 3.7 to 10.9% in dry rhizomes. High picrosides content accession PKS-1 was identified, both for shoots and rhizomes. To study genetic diversity and correlate picrosides content with their genetic factors, genetic profiling was done using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) identified fromP. kurroatranscriptomes. Out of 361 SSR primers tested on 26 accessions, 35 primers yielded polymorphic profiles. Overall low genetic diversity was observed inP. kurroaaccessions. The highest polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.55 was given by SSR marker PKSTS-P9 (TGGTG)4. Mean allele number was 2.97. Mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.597 and 0.452, respectively. Among all accessions Nei's genetic diversity (H) was 0.39 and Shannon's information index (I) was 0.58. Cluster analysis of STRUCTURE was comparable to DARWIN. Microsatellite markers would be helpful in the development of DNA diagnostics for the authentication of quality plant material as well as planning a genetic improvement strategy.

Development and transferability of microsatellite markers in Habenaria nuda and H. repens (Orchidaceae)

We report here the first set of microsatellite markers developed for species of Habenaria. A set of microsatellite markers for Habenaria nuda Lindl. and H. repens Nutt. were isolated, characterized, and tested for cross-amplification between these congeneric species. These species constitute two of the many existing complexes of the genus Habenaria. A total of nine markers were isolated from both species and characterized in two populations of each, with some of the markers being successfully cross-amplified. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from four to 12 in H. nuda, and the mean numbers of alleles per locus were 6.0 and 6.14 in each of the populations analyzed. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities within the two populations varied from 0.294 to 0.850 and from 0.517 to 0.851, respectively. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from four to seven in H. repens, and the mean numbers of alleles per locus were 2.8 and 4.0 in each of the populations analyzed. The Ho ranged from 0.000 to 0.563, and the He ranged from 0.000 to 0.666. The polymorphism levels found indicate these markers as powerful tools for future population genetic analyses in these and related species and could be used to address ecological, evolutionary, and taxonomic questions.

Assessment of population structure in Hungarian otter populations

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is widely distributed in Europe and has been down-listed from Vulnerable to Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List in 2004 following successful conservation interventions. River otter recoveries were driven by active and passive protection of wetlands and a decrease in environmental pollutants. In Hungary, although otter populations have been stable in recent decades, there is little information available regarding genetic diversity, population genetic or phylogeographic structure, and potential barriers affecting gene flow. This study, therefore, aimed to determine genetic diversity and structure across the range of this species in Hungary. To achieve this, we analyzed 255 tissue samples collected since 2002, mainly from road-kill incidents, in various regions of Hungary. We found a relatively high level of genetic diversity in Hungarian otter populations (expected heterozygosity: 0.69–0.74; mean number of alleles per locus: 6.8–7.7). At a regional level, we identified 2 di...

Genetic structuring of Salminus hilarii Valenciennes, 1850 (Teleostei: Characiformes) in the rio Paraná basin as revealed by microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers

Genetic variation of Salminus hilarii was assessed by screening microsatellite loci and mitochondrial D-loop DNA across four sampling in the upper rio Paraná basin of Brazil. Genetic diversity - measured as mean expected heterozygosity (0.904) and mean number of alleles across populations (13.7) - was reasonably high. Differentiation of microsatellite allele frequencies among populations was shown to be low but significant by AMOVA Φ ST (0.0192), and high by D EST (0.185). D-loop variation was high, with haplotypic diversity of 0.950 and nucleotide diversity of 0.011. Mitochondrial DNA-based estimates for population differentiation were high, with an overall Φ ST of 0.173. The results of tests of nuclear and mitochondrial variation yielded no unequivocal inference of historical demographic bottleneck or expansion. Genetic differentiation observed among S. hilarii populations in the rio Grande may be caused by a combination of historical differentiation and recent gene-flow disruption caused by the dams followed by reproduction of isolated spawning assemblages in mid-sized tributaries of the respective reservoirs. We present spatially more intensive sampling of S. hilarii populations across the rio Paraná basin in order to more effectively distinguish between historical and contemporary differentiation.

Genetic relationship and admixture in four Tunisian sheep breeds revealed by microsatellite markers

The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation patterns of four Tunisian sheep breeds. A total of 186 animals belonging to Barbarin (n=59), Western Thin Tail (n=46), Black Thibar (n =40), and Sicilo Sarde (n=41) breeds were genotyped for a panel of 30 microsatellite markers. In addition, a sample of 29 Spanish Merino sheep breed was used as an outgroup for tree topology. All markers were highly informative with PIC values ranging from 0.588 to 0.885 and a mean number of private alleles of 0.016. In all breeds, inbreeding was indicated by heterozygosity deficiency with estimated FIS values varying from 0.134 (Barbarin) to 0.165 (Western Thin Tail), and a highly significant departure (p<0.01) from Hardy–Weinberg proportions was observed. Wright’s FST index indicated low genetic differentiation between Tunisian breeds (0.017). The lack of clear genetic differentiation was also evidenced by cluster analysis using STRUCTURE as well as by the significant gene flow observed between breeds, especially Barbarin and Western Thin Tail, on the basis of the estimated Reynolds’ genetic distances (DR) and the number of migrants (Nm). The highest DR values were observed between Sicilo Sarde and the three other breeds, reflecting different phylogenetic origins of this breed. The study represents a first step towards further genetic characterization of Tunisian sheep breeds and results presented here are useful for better management and conservation of sheep resources.

Statistical modeling for selecting a superior working dog using microsatellite loci

Dogs (Canis familiaris) have been around humans for 12,000 years or more. Genetic background or external environment allow many dog breeds to be trained to perform highly specialized tasks such as detecting drugs and guiding visually impaired people. In this study, we selected 50 Sapsaree dogs, a Korean breed that has the potential as a working dog. They underwent training and were scored during the in-training examination; given their scores, they were divided into pass or fail groups. We analyzed genetic difference between pass and fail individuals using genotyping of 13 microsatellite loci. The mean number of alleles, allelic richness, and observed heterozygosity of the pass group were 4.077, 4.061, and 0.489, respectively, whereas those of the fail group were 4.154, 4.138, and 0.465, respectively. Using the genetic information, we constructed statistical modeling. The results of both logistic regression analysis and decision tree indicated that the superiority of Sapsaree was determined by 166 repeats of bases (166 allele) and 164 repeats (164 allele) at TAT locus and 198 repeats (198 allele) of DRPLA gene. The results presented herein indicate that these allelic differences between the pass and fail group can be a good biomarker for selection of superior Sapsaree individuals, and our statistical modeling could provide the standard for selection of working dogs.

Development, characterization and mapping of microsatellite markers for lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

AbstractLentil is the sixth most important pulse crop terms of production in the world, but the number of available and mapped SSR markers are limited. To develop SSR markers in lentil, four genomic libraries for (CA)n, (GA)n, (AAC)n and (ATG)n repeats were constructed. A total of 360 SSR primers were designed and validated using 15 Turkish lentil cultivars and genotypes. The most polymorphic repeat motifs were GA and CT, with a mean number of alleles per locus of 7.80 and 6.55, respectively. Seventy‐eight SSR primers amplified a total of 400 polymorphic alleles, whereas 71 SSR primers produced markers within the expected size range. For 78 polymorphic SSR primers, the average number of alleles per locus was 5.1 and PIC value ranged from 0.07 to 0.89, with an average of 0.58. A linkage map was constructed using 92 individual F2 plants derived from a cross between Karacadağ × Silvan, with 47 SSR markers. The SSR markers developed in this study could be used for germplasm classification and identification and mapping of QTL in lentil.

Identification of stripe rust resistant genes in resistant synthetic hexaploid wheat accessions using linked markers

Stripe rust, caused byPuccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici(Pst), is one of the most important diseases affecting wheat. In this study, seven gene-linked markers were used to identify the presence of stripe rust resistant genes in 51 accessions of synthetic hexaploid of wheat which were found to be resistant at seedling plant stage. Molecular marker-based gene identification showed the presence ofYr5,Yr10andYr15in three accessions,Yr36in three accessions,Yr48in seven accessions,YrR61in four accessions, andYrTP1in ten accessions of resistant hexaploid of wheat. These gene-linked markers were also used for the detection of genetic diversity. A total of 68 alleles were detected by these seven gene-linked markers. The mean number of allele was 11.3 alleles per locus. Genetic diversity values ranged from 0.34 to 0.93, with highest genetic diversity value of 0.93 detected for markerXwm477. The lowest genetic diversity value was observed for markerXbarc167. The polymorphic information content value ranged from 0.33 to 0.92 with an average of 0.54. The highest number of alleles (n= 24) were detected for markerXwmc477. The evidence in this study on the basis of genetic diversity and presence ofYrgenes in synthetic hexaploid wheat accessions will be useful in further breeding programmes.