Characterisation of Brassica oleracea L. by microsatellite primers

The recent development of molecular marker technology is revolutionising th e study of plant populations, providing opportunities to address questions requiring a precise knowledge of pedigrees. We applied Inter-Simple Sequenc e Repeat (ISSR) PCR to several Brassica oleracea accessions and to Br Brass ica napus. Four microsatellite-primers were screened and, among the 136 rep roducible fragments recorded, 25 (18.4%) fragments were common for all Bras sica, 27 (19.9%) were unique and 84 (61.7%) were phylogenetically informati ve. Each individual test sample exhibited a unique molecular genotype. ISSR markers provided a rapid approach to analyse genetic diversity and reflect ed the known genetic relationships among selected entries. ISSR markers app eared of great value in gene bank management and the establishment of genet ic similarity, and can be applied to allogamous (autumn and winter cauliflo wer) crops.