Genetic analyses of abaca (Musa textilis née) Germplasm from its primary center of origin, the Philippines, using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

Issue Date

12-2020

Abstract

This study presents the first extensive genetic diversity assessment of abaca (Musa textilis Née) germplasm in the Philippines using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Southeast Asia is the recognized center of origin of the genus Musa, and the Philippines has the most number of abaca cultivars and wild genotypes in the world. In this study, a total of 150 accessions of abaca from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Philippines and two banana cultivars were analyzed using SSRs to examine their genetic diversity and similarity relationships. Six of 44 banana-based SSR primers were highly polymorphic, detecting 28 alleles with a mean of 4.55 alleles per locus and polymorphism information content (PIC) mean of 0.56. Genetic diversity of abaca in three main islands was high (I = 0.68). Abaca genotypes from Luzon had higher genetic diversity compared to Visayas and Mindanao. Ninety-five (95) percent was attributed to molecular variance within the population and only 5% of the molecular variance to variation among populations. Genetic analysis by Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) revealed nine clusters consisting of two big groups and seven small groups, irrespective of geographical origin. Using a combination of SSR markers, the abaca accessions and closely related species could be effectively distinguished and identified putative abaca duplicates. Our results provide genetic evidence of the high diversity of abaca germplasm in the Philippines. The characterization of abaca germplasm using SSR markers will aid in the identification of superior genotypes and for improving the in situ and ex situ abaca germplasm conservation and optimal utilization of abaca genetic resources.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

0031-7454

Volume

103

Issue

4

Page

311-321

Document Type

Article

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Physical Description

Illustrations; tables; references

Language

English

Subject

Abaca, Genetic diversity, Germplasm, Manila hemp, Molecular markers

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MUSA TEXTILIS; ABACA; GERMPLASM; MICROSATELLITES; GENETIC VARIATION; GENETIC MARKERS; PHILIPPINES

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