Genetic Relationships Among Four Minorities in Guangxi Revealed by Analysis of 15 STRs

The aim of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity in 15 STRs （short tandem repeats） loci of four minorities in Guangxi Province and to probe into the genetic variation and relationships among these ethnic groups. Allele frequencies of 15 STR loci were collected from 766 unrelated Mulao, Maonan, Miao, and Yao ethnic individuals by PCR-STR and sequencing, and their allele-frequency distribution were compared with each other. The genetic parameters and genetic distances were calculated, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed. Based on the results from this study, 135, 134, 148, and 145 alleles and 424, 432, 445, and 436 genotypes for 15 STR loci were observed in the Mulao, Maonan, Miao, and Yao minorities, respectively. The average heterozygosity of all ethnic groups analyzed was above 0.7; the cumulative power of discrimination （DP）, the probabilities of paternity exclusion （EPP）, and the polymorphic information content （PIC） were greater than 0.99999. Comparison of the allele-frequency distribution indicated that there were significant differences at most loci between Maonan vs. Miao, Yao vs. other groups, but no distinct differences between Mulao vs. Maonan, and Mulao vs. Miao minorities. The NJ tree based on the genetic distance showed that the four minorities were separated into two groups. Mulao and Maonan were clustered into one group, whereas Miao and Yao into the other. Our results revealed that 15 STR loci of the four minorities possessed high genetic diversities. Therefore, the combination of these 15 STRs is a powerful tool for forensic individual identification and paternity investigation, as well as anthropologic and genetic researches. The genetic variation and relationships among the 4 populations revealed by 15 STRs are basically consistent with their linguistic culture and ethical history.

ISSR Analysis of Genetic Relationship of Germplasm Resource in Prunus mume Sibe. et Zucc

Using ISSR technique to analyze the diversity and genetic relationship of germplasm resources in 39 Prunus mume Sibe. et Zucc., the result showed that 10 primers were screened with high resolution from 51 primers, 120 fragments were amplified, of which 98 were polymorphic loci, accounting for 81.67% of total. Tested materials were divided into 3 classes, as was fundamentally accorded with the traditional classification base on horticulture. There was no obvious difference in geographic relationship among the clustering results.

Genetic relationship of interspecies for eight birch species

Genetic relationships of eight species of genus Betula were evaluated using ISSR marks. A total of 236 loci were generated from 17 ISSR primers. Percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) varied from 5.93 to 19.92. The highest and the lowest level of genetic differentiation were detected in B. ovalifolia and B. maximowicziana Regel respectively. In these eight species, genetic diversity of birch (HT) was 24.38 %, and the genetic variation (GST ) interspecies was accounting for 79.36% of total genetic variation. According to the cluster results of genetic distance, the eight species were classified into three groups as B. davurica, B. ovalifolia, B. platyphylla and B. pendula for one group; B. schmidtii, B. costata and B. ermanii Cham. var. communis for one group, and B. maximowicziana Regel for another group. The result of cluster is consistent with traditional morphological classification.

Analysis of Genetic Relationships in Prunus domestica L. in Xinjiang Using ISSR Markers

[Objective] This paper aimed to explore the genetic relationships among different types of Prunus domestica L. in Xinjiang. [Method] The inter-simple se- quence repeat （ISSR） markers were applied to analyze the genetic diversity and relationships among 30 individual plants from 5 types of P. domestica germpiasm resources in Xinjiang. [Result] A total of 317 bands were amplified by 16 selected IS- SR primers. Among the amplified bands, there were 246 polymorphic bands, accounting for 77.60% of the total. The Nei＇s gene diversity index （H） of individuals was 0.266 6. The average Shannon＇s information index （I） of individuals was 0.399 1. And most of the genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.555 2 to 0.996 8. It is indicated that the P. domestica germplasm resources have a certain genetic diversity in Xinjiang. The cluster analysis showed that, at the genetic similarity coefficient of 0.719, the 30 individuals were divided into 3 major groups, including a group of introduced European plum varieties, a group of Tacheng Smoked Plum and Tacheng Binzi and a group of Jiashi Smoked Plum and Wild European Plum. While at the genetic similarity coefficient of 0.949, Jiashi Smoked Plum and Wild European Plum were divided into two small groups. [Conclusion] There are very close genetic relationships between Jiashi Smoked Plum and Wild European Plum, and among the introduced European plum varieties, Tacheng Smoked Plum and Tacheng Binzi.

Genetic Relationships Among Soluble Carbohydrates, Anthocyanins and Growth Characteristics in Leymus (Gramineae) Detected with Molecular Markers

Low-temperature soluble carbohydrate accumulations are commonly associated with anthocyanin coloration, attenuated growth and cold adaptation of cool-season grasses. The vrn-1 gene has potent effects on vernalization requirement, growth, and soluble carbohydrate accumulations of the winter-annual Triticeae species. Two hundred and four unmapped AFLP markers and genome-specific DNA markers genetically linked to the vrn-1 gene were used to detect QTL controlling soluble carbohydrate accumulations, anthocyanin coloration and growth characteristics in a segregating population derived from open pollinated Leymus cinereus x L. triticoides hybrids. These perennial Triticeae grasses are distinguished by adaptation and growth habit. As expected, positive trait correlations and pleiotropic gene effects were detected for soluble carbohydrate accumulations and anthocyanin coloration. Likewise, positive trait correlations and pleiotropic gene effects were detected for tillering, leaf development, leaf growth, regrowth and rhizome spread. However, soluble carbohydrate accumulations were not associated with attenuated growth. In fact, several DNA marker alleles, including one near vrn-Ns1, had positive effects on soluble leaf carbohydrate concentrations and low temperature growth. The corresponding DNA marker near vrn-Ns1 had more specific effects on tillering. We speculate that vrn-1 exerts quantitative effects on low-temperature soluble leaf carbohydrate accumulations and growth habit of the perennial Leymus. However, a number of other DNA markers displayed highly significant effects on soluble carbohydrate accumulations and various growth characteristics. Findings indicate that anthocyanin coloration may be a useful phenotypic marker for soluble carbohydrate accumulation. Although variation for soluble carbohydrates was not associated with attenuated growth in this population, this trait was under genetic control.

SRAP Analysis on Genetic Relationship of Carthamus tinctorius L Varieties in Xinjiang

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the genetic relationship of the Carthamus tinctorius L（safflower） varieties in Xinjiang, and thus to provide a scientific basis for its protection and development. [Method] The genomic DNA of five safflower varieties from Xinjiang and one from Yunnan were analyzed and compared by SRAP molecular marker. [Result] Twelve pairs of SRAP primers were selected to amplify the genomic DNA of the six materials. Among the 171 clear DNA bands finally obtained, 93 were polymorphic, accounting for 54.4% of total. Genetic similarity coefficient of the six safflower varieties ranged from 0.60 to 0.92. [Conclusion]SRAP molecular marker is suitable for safflower varieties research and to guide the molecular breeding.

Analysis of genetic relationship in 12 species of Section Strobus with ISSR markers

Genetic relationship of 12 species of Section Strobus was analyzed with ISSR markers. 117 loci were detected with 12 ISSR primers. Percentage of polymorphic bands （PPB） varied from 5.93% to 19.92%. P. pumila had the highest levels of genetic differentiation and P. flexilis had lowest. Total genetic diversity （Hr） of 12 species in Section Strobus was 26.21%, of which intraspecific genetic diversity （Hs） was 7.66%, and interspecific genetic diversity （DST） was 18.55%, and the genetic variation in interspecies accounted for 70.78% of the total genetic diversity. According to the cluster results of genetic distance, the 12 species were classified into two groups. The first group included P. griffithii, P.armandi, P. fenzeliana, P. kwangtungensis, P. strobus, P. monticola and P. wangii. The second group included P. albicaulis, P pumila, P. flexilis, P. sibirica and P koraiensis.

Analysis of the Germplasm Resources and Genetic Relationships Among Hybrid Cymbidium Cultivars and Native Species with RAPD Markers

The random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） marker was assessed to detect the genetic relationships among 48 hybrid Cymbidium cultivars from Japan, Korea, China, and USA, and 2 species of native Cymbidium. Twenty primers were screened from 100 random decamer primers, and a total of 258 DNA bands were amplified, 253 of which （98.1%） were polymorphic. The average number of polymorphic DNA bands amplified by each primer was 12.6. All cultivars were distinguishable when a number of primers were considered. Genetic similarities among the cultivars and species were estimated based on the amount of band sharing ranging from 0.364-0.817 with an average of 0.581. According to the data, a dendrogram of genetic relationship, which was constructed using the UPGMA method, showed that all the tested cultivars and native species were classified into five cluster groups with the similarity coefficient of 0.592. It revealed that the genetic relationships among tested accessions were to some extent related with their origin, flower colour, branch type, and genealogy. It further indicated that the RAPD technique is a useful tool for studying the genetic relationships among hybrid Cymbidium cultivars.

Analysis of Genetic Relationship of 64 Local Varieties of Morus atropurpurea Roxb.in Guangdong Based on ISSR Marker

[Objective] The study aimed at analyzing the genetic relationship of 64 local varieties of Morus atropurpurea Roxb.from the Pearl River Basin in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces.[Method] Genetic diversity of 64 local varieties of Morus atropurpurea Roxb.was analyzed by ISSR molecular marker technique.The genetic relationship among these local varieties was researched by UPGMA method based on the genetic similarity coefficient.[Result] 128 bands were amplified from the total DNA of 64 local varieties using 13 ISSR primers,of which 109 bands accounting for 85.15% were polymorphic.It meant that there was rich genetic diversity among the local varieties tested.The genetic similarity coefficients among 64 local varieties were relatively high with a range of 0.500 0-0.929 7.In addition,64 local varieties were divided into two categories and the second could be further divided into 10 subcategories.It was suggested that the genetic relationship of 64 local varieties of Morus atropurpurea Roxb.based on ISSR marker analysis has a certain correlation with geographical distribution.[Conclusion] ISSR marker technology was suitable for evaluating genetic relationship and genetic diversity of local varieties of Morus atropurpurea Roxb.in Pearl River Basin,and could provide scientific basis for DNA fingerprinting and identification of varieties of Morus atropurpurea Roxb.

Genetic relationship and pedigree of Chinese watermelon varieties based on diversity of perfect SNPs

Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)is one of the world’s most important fruit crops,and China produces the most watermelons in the world.Recently,a watermelon variome consisting of 414 key resequenced accessions was reported.However,the genetic relationships and pedigree of Chinese watermelon varieties in the seed market remain unclear.In this study,241 evenly distributed perfect single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)derived from the watermelon variome were selected for variety identification.The diversity of 247 Chinese watermelon varieties was identified based on their SNP genotypes.The 247 watermelon varieties were clustered into five subpopulations:the East Asian ecotype,intermediate ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype.We further established the pedigree of four subpopulations,of which JingXinNo.1,ZaoChunHongYu,HuangXiaoYu and XiaoLan,and Sugarlee were the main doner of the East Asian ecotype,small fruit with red flesh ecotype,small fruit with yellow flesh ecotype,and American ecotype,respectively.Thirty-two core SNPs were selected and applied in watermelon variety identification.They were also validated by the Kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASPar)platform.The present study furthered our understanding of the genetic relationships and pedigree of watermelon varieties in China,and will help to manage the plant variety protection in watermelon.

Analysis of genetic diversity and structure across a wide range of germplasm reveals genetic relationships among seventeen species of Malus Mill,native to China

China is a center of diversity for Malus Mill,with 27 native species including 21 wild species and six domesticated species.We applied a set of 19 simple sequence repeat markers to genotype 798 accessions of 17 species(12 wild species and five cultivated species)of Malus originating from 14 provinces in China.A total of 500 alleles were detected.Diversity statistics indicated a high level of genetic variation as quantified by the average values of the effective allele number(N_(e)).expected heterozygosity(H_(e)),and Shannon's Information Index(I)(10.309,0.886,and 2.545,respectively).Malus sieversii(MSR;H_(e)=0.814,I=2.041,N_(e)=6.054),M.baccata(MBB;H_(e)=0.848,/=2.350,N_(e)=8.652),M.toringoides(MTH;He=0.663,I=1.355,N_(e)=3.332),and M.hupehensis(MHR;H_(e)=0.539,I=0.912,N_(e)=0.579)showed a higher level of genetic diversity in this study than the previous studies.MSR and MBB contributed to the origin and evolution of some accessions of M.domestica subsp.chinensis(MDC).However,other accessions of MDC showed a closer genetic distance with MBB and cultivated species,especially M.robusta(MRB),M.asiatica(MAN),and M.prunifolia(MPB).Not all accessions of MDC were descended from MSR in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.This research provides novel insights into the genetic relationships of Malus native to China,which will be useful for genetic association studies,germplasm conservation,and breeding programs.

Assessment of the Genetic Relationship and Diversity of Mango and Its Relatives by cpISSR Marker

Chloroplast inter-simple sequence repeat markers in mango were developed and used to analyze the genetic relationship and diversity of mango and its relatives. Thirty-six mango cultivars （Mangifera indica L.） and its relative species collected from the fruit germplasm collection in the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, were examined by ISSR-PCR with chloroplast DNA （cpDNA）. Eight better primers for chloroplast DNA that provided reproducible, polymorphic DNA amplification patterns were screened from 50 ISSR primers and used for UPGMA analysis. According to the band patterns with 8 primers for chloroplast DNA, all cultivars tested were distinguished from each other and these showed ample genetic diversity; the average percentage of polymorphism was 77.2%. The 36 samples could be clustered into four groups by UPGMA analysis at the coefficient 0.74. The results indicated that the cplSSR marker was a new powerful tool for the identification of mango cultivars or its relative species, and their genetic relationship analysis and diversity evaluation.

Discriminating ability of molecular markers and morphological characterization in the establishment of genetic relationships in cultivated genotypes of almond and related wild species

A total 23 morphological traits, 19 AFLP-primer combinations, 80 RAPD primers and 32 SSR primer pair were used to compare the informativeness and efficiency of random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD）, amplified fragment length polymorphism （AFLP） and simple sequence repeat （SSR） markers in establishing genetic relationships among 29 almond cultivars and three related wild species. SSRs presented a high level of polymorphism and greater information content, as assessed by the expected hetrozygosity, compared to AFLPs and RAPDs. The lowest values of expected hetrozygosity were obtained for AFLPs; however AFLPs showed the highest efficiency, owing to their capacity to reveal large numbers of bands per reaction, which led to high values for various types of indices of diversity. All the three techniques discriminated almond genotypes very effectively, except that SSRs failed to discriminate between ＇Monagha＇ and ＇Sefied＇ almond genotypes. The correlation coefficients of similarity were statistically significant for all the three marker systems, but were lower for the SSR data than for RAPDs and AFLPs. For all the markers, high similarity in dendrogram topologies was obtained, although some differences were observed. All the dendrograms, including that obtained by the combined use of all the marker data, reflect relationships for most of cultivars according to their geographic diffusion. AMOVA detected more variation among cultivated and related wild species of almond within each geographic group. Bootstrap analysis revealed that the number of markers used was sufficient for reliable estimation of genetic similarity and for meaningful comparisons of marker types.

Study of Yield Combining Ability and Genetic Relationship Among Exotic Tropical,Subtropical Maize(Zea mays L.) Inbreds and Temperate Maize Inbreds in China

Information on the genetic relationship between tropical maize (Zea mays L), germplasm and temperate maize germplasm is of great value to maize breeding. The objective of this study was to determine the combining ability and genetic relationship of 25 inbreds extracted from five tropical maize populations and a land race, with four temperate maize inbreds (Huangzaosi, Mol7, B73 and Dan 340). The 25 tropical inbreds were crossed with the four temperate inbreds and evaluated. Lines from Suwanl and POP28 had high general combining ability (GCA) for grain yield. The lines from POP32 (ETO) had the highest special combining ability (SCA) with B73; the average SCA value of the 5 lines was 879 kg/ha. The lines from Suwanl had the second-highest SCA (584 kg/ha) with Huangzaosi. The lines from Suwanl had the greatest relative heterosis (20%) with B73, followed by the lines from POP32 (ETO) with B73 (19%). Five heterotic patterns have been identified from this study: Suwanl × Reid, ETO × Reid, POP28× Reid, POP28× Ludahong-gu, and Suwan1× Lancaster.

Study on Genetic Relationship of Purple Tsai-tai Germplasms with SSR Markers

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the genetic relationship of purple tsai-tai germplasms using SSR molecular markers. [Method] SSR analysis of 45 purple tsai-tai samples was conducted with 65 pairs of primers selected from cabbage primers, and the cluster analysis was carried out. [Result] A total of 23 pairs of SSR primers were screened; cluster analysis showed that the genetic relationship of purple tsai-tai germplasms had relatively significantly locality, and the 45 purple tsaitai samples can be divided into three groups of Sichuan, Hunan and Hubei; furthermore, the similarity coefficients of 45 purple tsai-tai samples were all greater than 0.5 （ranging from 0.547 0 to 0.910 7）, indicating that the closer the genetic relationship among purple tsai-tai samples is, the narrower the genetic basis will be. [Conclusion] This study provides a theoretical and technical basis for the identification, protection and breeding of the resources of local varieties of seaweed sprouts. This study provided theoretical and technical basis for the identification, protection, breeding and utilization of local purple tsai-tai resource.

Genetic Relationships among Prunus mume var. pendula Using AFLP Markers

Genetic relationships among Prunus mume var. pendula were studied by using AFLP markers. 18 accessions representing 14 cultivars of Prunus mume var. pendula were selected from the germplasm collection at the Research Center of China Mei Flower. Seven Mse I-EcoR I AFLP primer combinations revealed 450 legible bands, and 269 of which were polymorphic markers. A similarity matrix was prepared using the simple matching coefficient of similarity and Neis (72) distance coefficient. A UPGMA dendrogram demonstrated the genetic relationships of the cultivars. The information given by AFLP markers was basically consistent with the morphological classification and the evolutionary history of the morphotypes, and roughly supported the new revised classification system for Chinese Mei Cultivars. But there were still several exceptions: 1) the Guhong Chuizhi inserted between the Tiaoxue Chuizhi and the Danfen Chuizhi; 2) the Wufu Chuizhi kept off the Pink Pendant Form, and the Moshan Chuizhi was removed from Viridiflora Pendant Form; 3) the Danbi Chuizhi and the Shuangbi Chuizhi of Viridiflora Pendant Form got together well but fell within the Pink Pendant Form.

Analysis on Genetic Relationship of Oxya chinensis and Oxya japonica from Xuzhou and Pingshan, China

Genetic relationship among Oxya chinensis populations and Oxya japonica populations collected from Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province and Pingshan County, Hebei Province, China were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） markers. A total of 125 DNA bands ranging from 200 to 2 200 bp were amplified by 10 random primers in DNA samples from 43 grasshopper individuals. One hundred and twenty-three （99%） of these bands were polymorphic. Shannon＇s index showed that the genetic, diversity within O. chinensis （0.3432） was higher than that of O. japonica （0.2781）. Nei＇s genetic distance between O. chinensis population and O. japonica population from the same area was less than that between populations from two different areas. The dendrogram based on Nei＇s genetic distance of RAPD markers was constructed using the unweighted pair group method with the arithmetic average （UPGMA） and Neighbor-Joining （NJ） methods. Cluster analysis indicated that all the individuals were grouped into two main clusters. O. chinensis populations from Xuzhou and Pingshan formed one cluster, and O. japonica populations from the two regions belonged to another cluster. The results demonstrated that RAPD can detect within species, and among closely related species. polymorphisms to distinguish minor difference among individuals

Determination of the Number of SSR Alleles Necessary for the Analysis of Genetic Relationships Between Maize Inbred Lines

The amount of molecular marker information has considerable impact on the results of studies of crop germplasm genetic relationships in crop. The number of alleles required to reveal genetic relationship in maize inbred lines is a theoretical issue that needs to be addressed. In this study, 112 pairs of SSR （simple sequence repeat） primers and 97 maize inbred lines were selected to study the relationship between the number of inbred lines and the number of SSR primers and alleles required for a stable cluster. The results showed that the number of SSR primers is not tightly associated with the stability of the cluster analysis results, while an increase in the number of alleles can significantly improve the stability of cluster analysis results. The number of inbred lines （X） is significantly associated with the number of alleles required for stable cluster analysis （Y）, and the regression equation is Y- 600.8xe（-15.9/x）. This equation can be used to calculate the number of SSR alleles required for a genetic relationship study of maize inbred lines. These results provide a reference for determining of SSR alleles number in genetic relationship analysis of maize inbred line and other crop germplasm.

High gene flows promote close genetic relationship among finewool sheep populations(Ovis aries) in China

The aim of our present study was to construct genetic structure and relationships among Chinese fine-wool sheep breeds. 46 individuals from 25 breeds or strains were genotyped based on the Illumina Ovine 50K SNP array. Meanwhile, genetic variations among 482 individuals from 9 populations were genotyped with 10 microsatellites. In this study, we found high genetic polymorphisms for the microsatellites, while 7 loci in the Chinese superfine Merino strain （Xinjiang types） （CMS） and 5 loci in Gansu alpine superfine-wool sheep strain （GSS） groups were found deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （HWE）. Genetic drift FsT=0.019 （P〈0.001） and high gene flows were detected in all the 7 fine-wool sheep populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed fine-wool sheep populations were clustered in a group independent from the Chinese indigenous breeds such that the 7 fine-wool sheep clustered distinct from Liangshan semifine-wool sheep （LS） and Hu sheep （HY） reflected by different population differentiation analyses. Overall, our findings suggested that all fine-wool sheep populations have close genetic relationship, which is consistent with their breeding progress. These populations, therefore, can be regarded as open-breeding populations with high levels of gene flows. Furthermore, the two superfine-wool strains, viz., CMS and GSS, might be formed by strong artificial selection and with frequent introduction of Australian Merino. Our results can assist in breeding of superfine-wool sheep and provide guidance for the cultivation of new fine-wool sheep breeds with different breeding objectives.

Genetic relationship between parasitized and non-parasitized Haloxylon ammodendron in the Alxa Desert

Haloxylon ammodendron （C. A. Mey.） Bunge is a host for the holoparasitic plant Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, the original source of medicinal material known as Herba Cistanchis. The inter-simple sequence repeat marker was used to assess the genetic variations and relationships among six accessions ofH. ammodendron with a total of 120 individuals collected from three localities in the Alxa Desert, Inner Mongolia, China. At each locality, individuals both parasitized （PP） by C. deserticola and non-parasitized （NP） were sampled. The results showed that Nei＇s gene diversity and Shannon＇s index of PP accessions were higher, but were not significantly different, from those of NP accessions. An unweighted pair-group method arithmetic average dendrogram showed two clusters, one that included all PP accessions, and the other the NP accessions. Genetic differentiation therefore existed between PP and NP accessions, which might be attributed to low gene flow between the NP and PP groups （Nm〈 1）. However, the relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance within each group, although not statistically significant in this study, might be associated with high gene flow in both the NP and PP groups.