Genetic diversity within a secondary gene pool for Ribes nigrum L. revealed by RAPD and ISSR markers

Twelve diverse genotypes from the genus Ribes were assayed for molecular po lymorphisms using RAPD and ISSR markers. Levels of genetic diversity were h igh. Genetic relatedness of accessions from the different sections of the g enus was estimated and similarity matrices were generated. The results indi cate that valuable sources of novel genetic variation exist within the seco ndary gene pool available for the breeding of Ribes crops, and that this va riation needs to be brought into existing breeding programmes at an early s tage.