Selecting Markers for Genetic Diversity in Sweet Cherry

The use of SSR/microsatellite markers for germplasm characterisation has become common practice in the last decade. To compare results across laboratories using different protocols and detection methods depends on using common markers and on the inclusion of known genotypes to allow the standardisation of allele sizes. In December 2006, participants of an ECPGR-sponsored workshop met at East Malling Research (now NIAB EMR) to discuss the ideal characteristics of genotyping marker sets and to set out guideless on how to best compare results across experiments (Tobutt & Evans 2007).As a result, Clarke & Tobutt (2009) proposed a set of SSR markers and control cultivars for sweet cherry that has been used by several groups (all or part) to characterize a range of wild and cultivated germplasm. Often, other markers have also been used. The performance some markers has been unsatisfactory. Additionally, markers linked to traits of interest for breeders including fruit size (Rosyara et al 2013) and flesh colour (Sandefur et al 2016) has been identified. Validation of those markers in diverse germplasm sets is essential to their deployment for marker-assisted breeding (MAB). Ideally markers used for germplasm screening would be: - robust and consistent in A-addition during amplification - Easy to score: - Alleles with clear/no stuttering - 2 or more bp intervals. The EU.CHERRY project will select a diversity panel for cultivated cherries and landraces across Europe. Phenotypic information will be provided by the curators in the originating collection. Genotypic information will be produced for these accessions at NIAB EMR using a set of SSR markers based on the original ECPGR recommendations but modified to take into account feedback from numerous studies. The ‘CherryMakerSurvey’ file has now been distributed to ECPGR and COST members and we welcome your feedback!

Documents

Selecting Markers for Genetic Diversity in Sweet Cherry () Poster presentation

Details

Activity type

Participation in scientific conference

Activity work package

Performance of new fruit varieties

Activity number

NIAB EMR-WP2-A2

Activity contact

Felicidad Fernández Fernandez
NIAB-EMR
New Road
East Malling
Kent
ME19 6BJ
United Kingdom

Activity partner

NIABEMR

Activity country

United Kingdom

Last edit

02-12-2016