Genetic variability in common wheat germplasm based on coefficients of parentage

The characterization of genetic variability and an estimate of the genetic relationship among varieties are essential to any breeding program, because artificial crosses among less similar parents allow a larger segregation and the combination of different favorable alleles. Genetic variability can be evaluated in different ways, including the Coefficient of Parentage (COP), which estimates the probability of two alleles in two different individuals being identical by descent. In this study, we evaluated the degree of genetic relationship among 53 wheat genotypes, and identified the ancestor genotypes which contributed the most to the current wheat germplasm, as a prediction of the width of the genetic base of this cereal. The results revealed a mean COP of 0.07 and the formation of 22 similarity groups. The ancestor genotypes Ciano 67 and Mentana were those which contributed the most to the current wheat germplasm. According to the COP analyses, the genetic base of wheat rests on a small number of ancestral genotypes

From RFLP to DArT: molecular tools for wheat (Triticum spp.) diversity analysis

Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a universally lucrative agricultural crop. An increase in wheat production has been shown through selection by the farmers which can increase the grain profitability. The determination of genetic associations among domestic cultivars is facilitated by molecular markers. Data on genetic polymorphism is valuable for the germplasm association and regarding the developing management strategies. The information would be supportive for potential genome mapping programs and for the relevance of intellectual property rights of wheat breeders. Present review is an effort for providing support information to wheat breeders to develop varieties with varied genetic environment to attain continuity in large-scale wheat production. In this review, we have tried to provide a collective depiction of relevant information about the usage of some commonly used markers in wheat. It may help researchers to find out the frequentness and application of different markers and compare their results. The manuscript may serve as a platform helping the intellectuals for the selection and modification of their marker system in wheat diversity analysis. The heart of this review is the emphasis on the performance of various molecular genetic markers in diversity studies in relation to definite approaches that are in practice since several years allied with the multifaceted wheat molecular breeding and its polyploid nature