RAPD Fingerprinting and Genetic Relationships of Some Wheat Genotypes

The genetic variability and relationships among 5 Egyptian wheat genotypes representing Sakha8, Sakha69, Sakha93, Sids1 and Gemmiza7 were analyzed using 8 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of 77 loci (73 % polymorphic) in all 5 wheat genotypes was amplified and discriminated all the wheat genotypes. PIC, RP, MI, DP values were evaluated and revealed degree of genetic divergence among the cultivars used. A cluster based on UPGMA (Un-weighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) analysis was used to determine genetic similarities. The five wheat genotypes were divided into two main clusters. Cluster 1 was divided into two groups. In subgroup 1 were included genotype 1 and genotype 2. They seemed very close which might depict sharing of the genetic background among the genotypes. In consequence, the close genetic relationships are entirely alarming and may hinder further plant improvement. Genotype 5 was in subgroup 2. The second cluster was included genotype 3 and genotype 4. The same genotypes were also assessed in field conditions for structural analyses, which were carried out based on six yield components. The dendrogram created was comparatively analyzed with the RAPD dendrogram. This study additionally indicates that RAPD markers are useful for distinguishing and characterizing wheat cultivars. The genetic relatedness among these genotypes could provide useful information for conservation and selection of cross parents in breeding.