Inter- and Intra-Species Genetic Diversity in Perennial Grasses Using AFLP Marker

Identification of grass species seems difficult due to the morphological similarities. However, selecting desirable parental genotypes of the crosses based on the genetic distances is considered as the most critical step in a breeding program. The aim of this study was to characterize grass species using AFLP techniques. Five species with five cultivars from each were selected and studied using AFLP reactions performed by PstI and MseI restriction enzymes. The obtained data was analyzed using NT SYS-pc Ver. 2.02 software and Jaccard’s method. Ten primer combinations amplified 1170 bands, all of which were polymorphic between cultivars and species. The maximum band (168) and the minimum number of band (81) were produced by P-AAG & M-CAG and P-ACT & M-CGC, respectively. The results also distinguished 5 species in 40% of genetic distances. Some of the markers were special to some special species that can be used in the identification of that species. Additionally, the results showed that AFLP techniques robust and efficient tools for the identification of genetic relationships of different genotypes within species. High levels of bands and polymorphism make AFLP one of the most powerful markers in the determination and classification of species and different cultivars of grass.