Molecular Characterization of Tunisian Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Genotypes using Microsatellites (SSRs) Markers

Abstract

High level of polymorphism make simple sequence repeats (SSRs) the molecular marker of choice for diversity analysis in plant species. In this study 18 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers were used to characterize six Tunisian barley varieties (Faïz, Manel, Martin, Rihane, Roho, and Tej) as well as six landraces from different growing regions in Tunisia (Djerba, Gabes, Jendouba, kairouan, Kebili, Kerkennah). Amplification of SSRs loci were obtained for 17 primer pairs and only 11 among them showed clear polymorphic patterns. These 11 primers produced a total of 31 alleles. The number of alleles per marker ranged from 1 to 5 with an average of 2.81 alleles per locus. The data generated by these 11 primers were sufficient to discriminate the analysed barley genotypes. The UPGMA cluster analysis of the similarity data grouped the 12 studied genotypes into two groups according to their spike type (two-row and six-row barley), except for Manel verity witch is a six row type but it clustered among the two row group. These results will be useful for barley germplasm management in terms of biodiversity protection and design of new crosses.