Study of the genetic variation of tall fescue varieties using AFLP markers

Study of the genetic variation of tall fescue varieties using AFLP markers Little information is available regarding genetic variation in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb). Such information is important in constructing mapping populations and targeting germplasm collection and utilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among seven tall fescue accessions from diverse geographic origins. Tall fescue accessions were assayed by a fluorescence-labeled amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) detection method using DNA samples bulked from each accession. On the basis of 105 AFLP markers from two primer combinations, the seven accessions were clustered in groups that largely supported the known origins of these plants. Fraydo and Lutine are genetically the most divergent, Tank and Sisa are genetically very similar, whereas Centurion has a very similar structure to the genotypes Flecha and endophyte-infected Flecha (E542), and a large genetic distance from Lutine although both Centurion and Lutine were bred by the same institute (Institut national de la recherche agronomique [INRA]).