Comparison of DNA marker and pedigree-based methods of genetic analysis ofplantain and banana (Musa spp.) clones. I. estimation of genetic relationships

Traditional approaches to the breeding of Musa crops are highly demanding i n terms of both time and space. However, the application of molecular genet ic analysis may dramatically improve breeding efficiency. The objectives of the present study were to compare pedigree and DNA marker methods of estim ating generic relationships across and within generations among diploid, tr iploid and tetraploid accessions of plantain and banana. Pedigree-based est imates of parent-offspring relationships were substantially different from those obtained from molecular data. The marker-based contribution of triplo id maternal accessions to their diploid offspring was greater than expected from published models of meiosis in Musa. Conversely, the maternal contrib ution to tetraploid offspring was less than expected. Pedigree-based simila rity was smallest for clones with no common parent and greatest for full-si bs. There was no association between marker-based similarity and pedigree r elationships. While DNA markers may provide a more accurate description of genetic relatedness, this study suggests that pedigree-based analysis may p rove useful for the selection of prospective parental combinations in Musa breeding.