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The use of microsatellite markers for detection of genetic diversity in Portuguese maize germplasm

Microsatellite analysis of the 27 loci distributed uniformly throughout the maiz genome was carried out for 104 maize inbred lines from Portuguese breeding programmes. 54 out of 104 lines represent inbreds derived from Portuguese maize landraces while the other 50 lines were foreign lines (US or other European) frequently used by Portuguese breeders. The inbred lines were also characterised for a set of seven agro-morphological traits important both for line identification and in breeding. The UPGMA dendrogram based on the proportion of shared alleles distance pointed up that almost all the inbreds could be distinguished and clustered into 3 main groups. Portuguese lines showed great variability and can be found in almost all clusters. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed in order to test for partitioning among groups formed according to each of the seven agro-morphological traits. Early vigour and ear height were not related to molecular variation and therefore it seems that they are not suitable for line identification. On the other hand, the classification according to endosperm type, plant height, ear type, kernel type and cob colour yielded significant  -values although in all cases most of the molecular variability was attributable to differences among lines within groups.

maize; microsatellites; Portugal; morphological traits; AMOVA

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