Genetic Diversity Studies on Wheat Landraces in Palestine Using RAPD Markers in Comparison to Phenotypic Classification

Abstract

Wheat is a highly economic agricultural crop world wide. Profitability of wheat can be increased through selection by farmers, which showed an increase in grain and straw production. Description of landraces is essential in order to reserve farmer’s rights in their landraces which they maintained for several years. Estimates of genetic relationship are important in designing crop improvement programs. Information on genetic diversity is also valued for the management of germplasm and for evolving conservation strategies. Molecular markers are the best tools for determining genetic relations to domestic cultivars. This study was undertaken to examine the extent of genetic variation among the diverse individuals of important crops such as wheat and to evaluate RAPD as a molecular marker for genetic classification of cultivars of wheat and compare this approach with the authentic data collected from the same cultivars cultivated in Palestine. The results of this work clearly indicated the level of genetic diversity and similarities expressed in clusters of the landraces analyzed. The RAPD technique could be used effectively to demonstrate valuable results for farmers in recognition of landraces and their original sources

Keywords

• Wheat, Genetic diversity, RAPD