Simple sequence repeat marker analysis of genetic diversity among progeny of a biparental mapping population of sweetpotato

Abstract

Genetic diversity is critical in sweetpotato improvement as it is the source of genes for desired genetic gains. Knowledge of the level of genetic diversity in a segregating family contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity present in crosses and helps breeders to make selections for population improvement and cultivar release. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have become widely used markers for diversity and linkage analysis in plants. In this study, we screened 405 sweetpotato SSR markers for polymorphism on the parents and progeny of a biparental cross ofNew Kawogo × Beauregard cultivars. Thereafter,we used the informative markers to analyze the diversity in this population. A total of 250 markers were polymorphic on the parents and selected progeny; of these, 133 were informative and used for diversity analysis. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values of the 133 markers ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 with an average of 0.7, an indication of high level of informativeness. The pairwise genetic distances among the progeny and parents ranged from 0.2 to 0.9, and they were grouped into five main clusters. The 133 SSR primers were informative and are recommended for use in sweetpotato diversity and linkage analysis.