María I. Cuenya

Genetic diversity assessment and genotype identification in sugarcane based on DNA markers and morphological traits

Sugarcane is known for its highly complex genetics and more knowledge is needed for better use and conservation of genetic materials. In order to identify genotypes and to assess genetic diversity, diverse data sets such as morphological and molecular markers are used as a general approach. To evaluate the usefulness of different markers, important sugarcane genotypes in Argentina were characterized by AFLP, SSR and morphological traits. All genotypes characterized were grouped in one main cluster in dendrograms using two independent softwares. Interestingly, local genotypes grouped together with USA varieties and no clear genetic differentiation could be found probably due to intensive germplasm exchange between these breeding programs. The molecular markers tested were useful for genetic diversity assessment as well as for genotype identification. These markers should be included in the internationally established characters for sugarcane variety protection as they give a better view on whole genome complexity. Additionally, genetic similarities obtained from molecular markers will provide more accurate information to breeders than the pedigree method, especially when considering the asymmetric genetic inheritance of sugarcane. Morphological traits are valuable tools to identify genotypes since they reflect external resemblance more than genetic relatedness. When they were combined with molecular markers the dendogram obtained revealed genetic relationships and the genetic diversity was better estimated. In summary, both methods appear to be useful, complementing each other and should be used together to assist sugarcane breeders in estimating genetic diversity, electing parents for crossings, identifying superior lines and to protect intellectual property rights.

A Study of the Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Disease in Argentina

Yellow leaf disease, caused by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV), is widespread around the world but very little information is available on this viral disease in Argentina. Therefore, the aims of the study were to assess the presence of SCYLV, analyze its distribution in the main sugarcane production areas of Argentina, characterize the virus, and determine histological alterations caused by its presence. For this purpose, 148 sugarcane samples with and without symptoms were collected in 2011 and 2012 from the province of Tucumán. One additional sample was collected in Salta, a different geographical, agroecological, and producing region. Results showed that SCYLV is widely distributed in commercial varieties of sugarcane throughout Tucumán in both symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves. A low but statistically significant positive correlation with virus detection and disease symptoms was found. BRA-PER was the only genotype detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis of the SCYLV capsid protein gene. SCYLV-positive samples showed high starch levels in bundle sheath cells, whereas the asymptomatic ones, probably in an early stage of infection, were found to contain more chloroplasts. Symptomatic noninfected samples presented crystal formation probably associated with phytoplasma infection.