DENATURING GRADIENT GEL-ELECTROPHORESIS (DGGE) AND DIRECT SEQUENCING OF PCR AMPLIFIED GENOMIC DNA - RAPID AND RELIABLE IDENTIFICATION OF HELIANTHUS-ANNUUS L CULTIVARS

The DGGE method was applied to the identification of sunflower cultiva rs using a known nucleotide sequence (albumin as a model). Single base mutations were quickly detected with a simple and robust technique, t hen characterised by direct sequencing. This strategy, already well kn own in human genome analysis, allowed us to establish relationships be tween nucleotide polymorphism and protein content. The development of this type of marker for use in breeding and commercialization is discu ssed.