Analysis of genetic diversity in maize inbred lines based on AFLP markers.

Abstract

The genetic diversity of 60 maize inbred lines, most from Italy and China, was analyzed based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. By using 20 AFLP printers combinations, 487 polymorphic fragments were detected, with an average of 24.4 for each AFLP printer combination. The result of cluster analysis showed that the accessions assessed could be clustered into a few groups. This was mostly in accordance with the heterotic groupings previously assigned based on conventional methods, although some notable differences were detected. The results indicated that most of the Italian maize inbreds used in the study were mainly related to the RYD background and most of the Chinese inbreds were associated more with the Huangzaosi (HZS) background. In addition, the results supported the establishment of a new heterotic group, that is, the PN group derived from Pioneer hybrids, in Chinese maize breeding programs. The present study indicated that AFLP markers are suitable for the assessment of genetic diversity in maize germplasm because of its high polymorphism and for the identification of pedigrees of those germplasm with unknown or uncertain genetic background.