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The genetic gain game
May 31, 2016![](https://i0.wp.com/aussorgm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/David-Jordan-in-sorghum-field.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
UQ Plant breeders feeding the world!
July 7, 2016Authors
Abstract
The genetic variability of 28 sorghum genotypes of known senescence phenotype was investigated using 66 SSR markers well-distributed across the sorghum genome. The genotypes of a number of lines from breeding programmes for stay-green were also determined. This included lines selected phenotypically for stay-green and also RSG 03123, a marker-assisted backcross progeny of R16 (recurrent parent) and B35 (stay-green donor). A total of 419 alleles were detected with a mean of 6.2 per locus. The number of alleles ranged from one for Xtxp94 to 14 for Xtxp88. Chromosome SBI-10 had the highest mean number of alleles (8.33), while SBI-05 had the lowest (4.17). The PIC values obtained ranged from zero to 0.89 in Xtxp94 and Xtxp88, respectively, with a mean of 0.68. On a chromosome basis, mean PIC values were highest in SBI-10 (0.81) and lowest in SBI-05 (0.53). Most of the alleles
from B35 in RSG 03123 were found on chromosomes SBI-01, SBI-02 and SBI-03, confirming the successful introgression of quantitative trait loci associated with stay-green from B35 into the senescent background R16. However, the alternative stay-green genetic sources were found to be distinct based on either all the SSRs employed or using only those associated with the stay-green trait in B35. Therefore, the physiological and biochemical basis of each stay-green source should be evaluated in order to enhance the understanding of the functioning of the trait in the various backgrounds. These genetic sources of stay-green could provide a valuable resource for improving this
trait in sorghum breeding programmes.
Journal
- African Journal of Biotechnology
- Vol. 15(25), pp. 1363-1374, 22 June, 2016
- DOI: 10.5897/AJB2015.15074 Article Number: FA5B4FA59057
- ISSN 1684-5315
- Copyright © 2016
- Author(s) retain the copyright of this article
- http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB