Molecular markers, genetic diversity and systematics in Musa

Abstract

The past decade has seen the development of novel molecular techniques for the detection of genetic markers in plant genomes. These genetic markers have been used for clonal identification (‘fingerprinting’), linkage mapping, population diversity studies, taxonomy and evolutionary studies, etc. Methods for the detection of genetic markers are becoming increasingly sensitive and sophisticated. Previously utilized markers such as morphological descriptors and isozymes have been supplemented with, or in certain instances entirely replaced by, restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) or variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). Application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in combination with random 9 or 10mer synthetic oligonucleotide primers now permits the detection of markers referred to as random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs). This chapter will describe previous and current efforts to utilize genetic markers for clonal identification, genetic and systematic studies, and indicate additional areas where the use of these, and other, techniques could substantially increase our understanding of the organization and function of the Musa genome.