Genetic diversity assessment in cultivated cardoon by AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) and microsatellite markers

Cultivated cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis DC) belongs, together with globe artichoke (C. (cardunculus L. var. sylvestris L.) and wild cardoon (C. cardunculus L. var., sylvestris (Lamk) Fiori). to the family Asteraceae (Compositae). Cultivated cardoon is of regional importance in Italy. Spain and southern France, where it is used for the preparation of traditional dishes. It has been shown to have potential as a source of oil from its seeds, inulin from its roots and various biopharmaceuticals from its leaves. Levels of genetic diversity and relatedness between eleven Italian and 10 Spanish accessions were assessed by DNA profiling with eight AFLP primer combinations and at five microsatellite loci. The AFLP analysis of genetic similarities showed that the Spanish and Italian accessions represent two distinct gene pools; substantial variation was present within each accession. On the other hand a limited variation was detectable by applying SSR markers.