Genetic similarity analysis and identification of Indian potato cultivars by random amplified polymorphic DNAs*

1123-1128Random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) were used to fingerprint eighteen commercial Indian potato cultivars. A total of seventy-four distinct DNA fragments (bands), ranging from 124 to 4074 bp, were amplified by using twelve random primers. Fifty-seven of these bands were polymorphic. Cuitivar specific DNA fingerprints were generated by two random decamer primers (OPA-03 and OPC-04). Pair-wise genetic similarity analysis on the basis of presence or absence of bands revealed a wide range of variability among the cultivars, thereby, suggesting a wide genetic base of Indian potato cultivars. Kinship relationship was not correlated with the similarity values. Kufri swam a, which has the wild species Solanum vernei in its pedigree, showed maximum genetic divergence from other cultivars. Similarly, kufri badshah and kufri alankar were also genetically distinct from other cultivars studied. Remaining fifteen cultivars were grouped in to two closely related clusters. Usefulness of RAPD analysis in identification of cultivars and genetic divergence among Indian cuitivars has been discussed

Genetics and cytogenetics of the potato

Tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a genetically complex, polysomic tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48), highly heterozygous crop, which makes genetic research and utilization of potato wild relatives in breeding difficult. Notwithstanding, the potato reference genome, transcriptome, resequencing, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping analysis provide new means for increasing the understanding of potato genetics and cytogenetics. An alternative approach based on the use of haploids (2n = 2x = 24) produced from tetraploid S. tuberosum along with available genomic tools have also provided means to get insights into natural mechanisms that take place within the genetic load and chromosomal architecture of tetraploid potatoes. This chapter gives an overview of potato genetic and cytogenetic research relevant to germplasm enhancement and breeding. The reader will encounter findings that open new doors to explore inbred line breeding in potato and strategic roads to access the diversity across the polyploid series of this crop’s genetic resources. The text includes classical concepts and explains the foundations of potato genetics and mechanisms underlying natural cytogenetics phenomena as well as their breeding applications. Hopefully, this chapter will encourage further research that will lead to successfully develop broad-based potato breeding populations and derive highly heterozygous cultivars that meet the demands of having a resilient crop addressing the threats brought by climate change