Evaluation of retrotransposon-based markers for identification of genetic loci associated with agro-morphological characteristics in confectionery sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) accessions

Since the economic value of cultivars depends on different characteristics, thus procedure of selection for several traits to maximize the economic value has been always considered by plant breeders. Detailed information on genetic behavior and association between economic traits will help breeders to improve plant populations. In order to identify retrotransposon-based-molecular markers associated with agro-morphological traits in confectionery sunflower, a collection of 50 accessions were studied for 20 traits according to IBPGR sunflower descriptor in a completely randomized design with 10 replications. Genetic diversity of populations was assessed using 20 retrotransposon primers (7 IRAP markers and 5 REMAP primers). Genetic structure analysis of germplasm using Bayesian method revealed three sub-populations. Association analysis using mixed linear model (MLM) identified 37 loci significantly (P