Title : Decoding the genetic diversity of Philippine strawberries through genome-wide molecular marker analysis
Abstract:
Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier) is an economically important fruit crop grown commercially worldwide due to its known distinct flavor and nutritional value. It is an octoploid with a high degree of heterozygosity and belongs to the family Rosaceae. Moreover, strawberries are mostly cultivated in temperate or colder regions such as US, China, Japan, and Korea. In the Philippines, it is cultivated in highland areas of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). However, varietal development in strawberry is slow despite of increasing market demand due to scarcity of genetic resources. The absence of genetic characterization of strawberry germplasm is also the current drawback to properly assess the genetic diversity of the core collection for crop improvement. Thus, molecular characterization of the Philippine strawberry core collection is essential to boost productivity and improve sustainability of strawberry industry. In this study, 219,239 SSR markers were generated in silico in which 72.9% are unique. A subset was utilized for marker validation and molecular characterization of the 26 strawberry cultivars available in the germplasm. Interestingly, all selected markers produced amplicons wherein most are informative or polymorphic. Furthermore, clustering analysis revealed that all cultivars could be separated into groups which were consistent with their geographic origin. Using whole genome sequence analysis, potential microsatellite markers were developed for several strawberry cultivars which provides a significant genetic tool for strawberry molecular breeding. Lastly, deciphering the genetic diversity of the core strawberry germplasm would provide a basis for a precise and cost- effective breeding strategy.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- The presentation showcases the use of genome-wide molecular markers, specifically SSRs to explore the genetic diversity of Philippine strawberries, providing valuable insights and potential for breeding applications.
- The findings highlight the presence of unique genetic profile in strawberries that can be harnessed to enhance desirable characteristics such as flavor, disease resistance, and yield, offering opportunities for the development of improved strawberry varieties.
- Provide other researchers and institutions molecular markers informations that could be used their own breeding program.
