AFLP markers for the study of rice biodiversity

AFLP was used as a DNA fingerprinting technique in rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm analysis. The high efficiency and random coverage of AFLP markers were established. With only five combinations of primers and RFLP anchors, a framework linkage map was constructed. This map demonstrated that the AFLP markers from a limited number of primers were not confined to any particular regions or chromosomes in the rice genome. To analyse the biodiversity of 57 rice germplasm accessions, we examined 179 polymorphic AFLP markers generated from four primer combinations. Both principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used, and three groups were clearly identified which corresponded to genotypes of Isozyme Groups I, II and VI. The number of markers needed for robust classification of rice germplasm and the diversity between/within the groups was established.