Genetic diversity in Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult. germplasm collection as determined by endosperm storage proteins

Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult. shows interesting characteristics for breeding, such as disease or pest resistance and has high variability for endosperm storage proteins, valuable for the improvement of the breadmaking quality of both tritordeum and wheat. Knowledge of the genetic structure and the level of H. chilense genetic diversity within its distribution zone may be important to decide on breeding strategies as well as management procedures. The pattern of genetic variation within and among different regions of the distribution area of H. chilense, was analysed by endosperm storage proteins (gliadin and low-molecular- weight glutenin subunits). Several analyses were performed including AMOVA, direct correlation between phenotypic and geographic distance matrices and spatial genetics differentiation. Most genetic diversity was caused by differences among individuals within a population, although all the analyses performed suggest the existence of a low degree of differentiation within regions. Correlation values between phenotypic and geographic distances were low but significant. The spatial genetics analysis revealed that the average phenotypic distances of each of the spatial distance class were not lower (or higher) than that expected by chance. These results are explained by their neutral behaviour towards a selection of endosperm storage proteins and could be very useful in optimising future sample collecting strategies.