Development of SSR markers for the characterization of a new Agave germplasm bank

• Grant number: 23/16853-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira
• Grantee: Jackeline Annie Célio
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the semi-arid context, where water scarcity and limited availability of natural resources pose constant challenges, Agave emerges as a promising solution for bioenergy production. Its remarkable ability to thrive under water stress conditions and its rapid growth make it a viable option for cultivation in such environments. Agave has a high biomass-to-energy conversion rate, making it an attractive choice for sustainable biofuel production. To fully harness this economic and productive potential, the establishment of a new Agavegermplasm bank is crucial.The main objective of this germplasm bank is to characterize a wide range of Agave accessions, aiming to identify and select the varieties that best adapt to the semi-arid region. This characterization process will involve genotyping experiments using microsatellite molecular markers (SSRs). By leveraging these molecular markers, the genetic improvement of Agave populations can be enhanced, facilitating the development of a sustainable bioenergy supply chain in the region.