An overview of RAPD analysis to estimate genetic relationships in lowbush blueberry

Abstract

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, a simple dominant molecular marker technique, has been used extensively for cultivar identification and relatedness studies in many perennial woody species. Thus, this technique should provide genetic information for lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). Young leaves of lowbush blueberry from field clones with varying phenotype were collected for DNA extraction. Pre-screening of RAPD primers resulted in 11 polymorphic primers and 140 consistent RAPD fragments. Eight primers were selected as useful for our study, the fragments scored and the data analyzed with Genstat5 to calculate similarity, produce dendrograms and perform a principal coordinate analysis. The RAPD analysis was able to identify distinct field clones. Average genetic similarity among field clones was 68% reflecting expected genetic variation. Approximately 15% of the field clones were not related. RAPD analysis is a useful tool for genetic relationship studies in lowbush blueberry and may provide similarity information for future pollination/productivity research. © 2004 by The Haworth Press. Inc. All rights reserved.