AFLP-Based Genetic Relationships in Wild and Cultivated Red Raspberry Genotypes (Rubus Idaeus L.)

ABSTRACT

The genus Rubus contains a large number of highly variably and heterogeneous species, which occur in all parts of the world except the desert regions. Turkey has notable wild grown Rubus populations and these fruits are a traditional part of Turkish diet. The leaves and fruits of wild Rubus forms are used for medicinal purposes in Turkey as well. In the present study we attempted to characterize 11 wild selections and 1 well known red raspberry cultivar, Heritage by using fluorescent dyed AFLP markers and capillary electrophoresis. Four primer combinations generated a total of 259 bands, 182 (69.0%) of which were polymorphic. The higher genetic similarity was found between AH2 and AH3 genotypes. UPGMA clustering of the accessions showed seven major groups. The cultivar Heritage independently formed its own group. AFLP profiles suggesting that the wild genotypes might be derived from seedlings rather than through clonally offshoot propagation.

Keywords:

• Rubus
• red raspberry
• AFLP
• genetic diversity