DNA typing of hops (Humulus lupulus) through application of RAPD and microsatellite marker sequences converted to sequence tagged sites (STS)

Summary Both random amplified polymorphic DNA and microsatellite repeat sequences were investigated as DNA markers for distinguishing hop cultivars. Microsatellite sequences converted to STS markers proved to be most successful. The relative abundance of microsatellite repeat sequences in the hop genome varied depending on the sequence class. Of the repeat types investigated the dinucleotide repeats (GA)_n and (GT)_n are the most highly represented in the hop genome. Microsatellite repeat sequences in hops have been shown to be highly polymorphic and are very informatives as STS molecular markers. A DNA typing system using sequence-tagged microsatellite site markers has been developed which will not only be useful for hop cultivar identification but also marker assisted breeding and quality control purposes.