Pedigree, RAPD and simplified AFLP-based assessment of genetic relationships among Avena sativa L. cultivars

Two molecular marker techniques: RAPD and simplified PstIAFLP have been compared in order to decide on, which technique is better suited to genetic characterization of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars. It was investigated, if the same pattern of variability is revealed by two approaches and whether the observed molecular variability reflects pedigree-based relationships. Polymorphic RAPD and PstIAFLP markers were sufficient to distinguish all analysed cultivars, demonstrating the usefulness of both methods for cultivar identification. Genetic similarity estimates derived from RAPD, simplified PstIAFLP and combined RAPD and PstIAFLP data were compared with coefficients of parentage (COP). Molecular markers-based mean genetic similarities were considerably greater than mean COP value. Correlation coefficients between COP and genetic similarities calculated from RAPD, PstIAFLP and combined molecular data were very low and not significant. A better correlation (0.50) was found between similarity estimates derived from RAPD and PstIAFLP markers. Four separate dendrograms were constructed based on pedigree and molecular analyses using a neighbor-joining algorithm (NJ). The dendrograms were compared and found to be topologically different. The results of this study showed, that both molecular techniques can be conveniently used for genetic characterization of oat cultivars, however PstIAFLP would be the method of choice due to the higher efficiency and reproducibility.