Comparative suitability of phenotypic expressions and microsatellite markers in classifying oat genotypes (Avena sativa L.)

Abstract

A comparison was made between phenotypic and microsatellite markers (ISSR) to assess the suitability of the two marker systems in classifying oat genotypes representing different agroecological zones. An average range of genetic similarity (0.84-0.20) was observed on the basis of 20 ISSR markers whereas, it was found high (0.995-0.204) on the basis of 7 primary rainfed morphological expression. A random grouping was observed in dendrogram based on the ISSR markers, while dendrogram based on phenotypic character clustered genotypes into their respective geographic groups. A negative correlation (r = -0.186) was found among morphological and molecular marker systems, but the latter could be an effective tool in distinguishing the genotypes using specific band positions for them. The genotypic classification agreed closely with the grouping observed in ISSR based 3D analysis and the association technique came with best discrimination among all genotypes.