Use of RAPD and microsatellite (SSR) variation to assess genetic relationships among populations of tetraploid alfalfa, Medicago sativa

The level of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite var iation present in four ecotypes and two varieties of alfalfa (lucerne) from Italian and Egyptian germplasm sources was evaluated. A sample of 100 plan ts from 10 populations was analysed by means of 41 RAPD markers and 37 simp le sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Both molecular approaches revealed a high degree of genetic diversity within each of the cultivated populations and enabled each of the plants considered to be uniquely fingerprinted. The gen etic relationships among plants and populations were analysed by computing AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) and F-ST analyses. RAPDs were able t o separate the Italian populations from the Egyptian variety. SSRs allowed strong separation of the four Italian alfalfa ecotypes. It was concluded th at RAPD and microsatellites could be useful and powerful tools for assessin g genetic variation and genetic relationships in tetraploid alfalfa.