Genetic diversity within and among Nordic meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) cultivars determined on the basis of AFLP markers

Twelve Nordic cultivars and one Icelandic natural population of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) were assessed by AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) marker technology to determine levels of genetic diversity within and genetic relationships between populations. Three cultivars were analyzed from each of the Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark), including germplasm of long, medium, and short antiquity. A total of 253 plants were analyzed by 89 AFLP markers. A substantial degree of genetic heterogeneity was uncovered, and all individuals were genetically distinct from one another. AMOVA revealed that most of the variation is distributed within rather than between cultivars. The genetic diversity within newly released cultivars was as large as within old cultivars, indicating that breeding has not eroded genetic diversity over time. PCO- and UPGMA-analyses revealed no clear structure on the basis of country of origin of the cultivars. This can probably be explained by the fact that an extensive exchange of breeding material between the Nordic countries has occurred since the genetic improvement of meadow fescue started at the beginning of the 20th century. These exchanges of breeding materials have counteracted genetic erosion and genetic differentiation between countries. The applicability of AFLP markers in cultivar identification in meadow fescue is discussed.