Molecular analysis of genetic variation in potato (Solarium tuberosum L.). I. German cultivars and advanced clones

Summary The genetic variation of 69 potato cultivars and advanced clones from a commercial German breeding programme were analysed by using 6 AFLP primer combinations or 26 microsatellite (SSR) primer pairs. Available pedigree information was reflected in genetic distances. Cluster and principal coordinate analysis showed clear patterns of related genotypes with slight differences dependent on the marker system used. AFLP analysis, in particular, differentiated groups based on their genetic background: Clones with common ancestors separated from unrelated cultivars. A minimum of 150 polymorphic markers were necessary to obtain reliable results. Diversity index, effective multiplex ratio, and the resulting marker index were calculated for both marker systems. Their use for parent selection is discussed in relation to achieving maximum heterosis.