Molecular analysis (via RAPD) of sugarcane plants derived from cultivation of meristems

• Grant number: 97/04617-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 1997
• End date: October 31, 1999
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Maria Lúcia Carneiro Vieira
• Grantee: Maria Lúcia Carneiro Vieira
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Up to now, a proportion of sugarcane seedlings have been obtained by micropropagation technique. This technology is valuable, since the varietal offer is broad, thus enabling the acquisition of seedlings in a short time span. However, some varieties, when propagated by the culture of meristems, display high levels of somaclonal variation. In this project, trials will be undertaken to monitor this process of variability generation in sugarcane. Analysis will be carried out on somaclones originating from the Usina Barra Grande with abnormal characteristics which affect production. Analysis will also be undertaken of shoots originating from various stages (subcultures) of micropropagation, generated in the laboratories of Copersucar and Usina Ester. The method aims to detect alterations generated in vitro in the patterns of DNA bands, using a molecular marker. (AU)