Genetic diversity and relationships among Iraqi barley cultivars using RAPD-PCR technique

Abstract EN

This experiment is aimed to determine the genetic diversity and relationships among nine local barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L.) by using the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique.

To achieve this, the seeds were sown in a germination cabinet under controlled environment at 20°C and a 16/8 hrs.

light/darkness photoperiod.

Total genomic DNA of barley plant was extracted from two different sources, from 2-3 g of fresh leaves by using CTAB method, The average yields of DNA were in the range of 1090-8550 μg /g of leaf tissue with purity of 1.5-1.9 , and also from dry seeds by using commercial kit, the DNA yield was 865-1035 μg/ mg of dry seed powder and a purity ranging 1.4-1.6.

Eighteen random primers used in this study produced 177 bands across nine varieties.

Of these bands, 106 bands or 60% were polymorphic.

The size of the amplified bands ranged 358-4818 bp.

The genetic polymorphism value of each primer was determined and ranged 25-100%.

It was also possible to find the DNA fingerprint of all studied barley varieties through the appearance of a number of bands that were unique to each variety that may be used in the future as cultivar specific marker.

the most characteristic banding pattern was for each varieties with primer GB7.

Genetic distances ranged from 0.13424 to 0.43789 among barley varieties.

Cluster analyses were performed to construct a dendrogram among studied barley varieties.

cluster analysis grouped the nine varieties into three main clusters depending on their ancestor and their morphological traits.

The information generated from this study can be used in the future for barley breeding and improvement programs.