Abstract:
Alstroemeria is a monocot ornamental crop originating from South America, with two centres of diffusion in Chile (highlands of Andes) and in eastern Brazil (tropical zones). Alstroemeria cultivars are being developed through interspecific hybridisation (using in some cases embryo rescue techniques to overcome crossing barriers), selection of sports and/or polyploidization (Broertjes and Verboom, 1974; Bridgen et al., 1989).
The development of genetic markers for the characterisation and identification of genotypes and early detection of interspecific hybrids may be very useful for breeding programmes and in protecting the rights of the breeders.
In recent years, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers have become widely used for genotype identification in plants including ornamentals (Wolff et al., 1993; Weising et al., 1994).
RAPD analysis was performed on Alstroemeria samples with the aim to discriminate, identify and characterise new genotypes obtained through a breeding programme started in 1991 in our Institute in collaboration with the Instituto Agronomico of Campinas (Brazil).
|