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| Author(s): |
Adna Cristina Barbosa de Sousa
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | Campinas, SP. |
| Institution: | Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia |
| Defense date: | 2010-08-30 |
| Examining board members: |
Anete Pereira de Souza;
Cacilda Borges do Valle;
Maria do Carmo Estanislau do Amaral;
Maria Lucia Carneiro Vieira;
Michel Georges Albert Vincentz
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| Advisor: | Liana Jank; Anete Pereira de Souza |
| Abstract | |
Cultivated pastures used for grazing, are the most economical way to provide abundant high quality feed to animals. Among the main fodder crops, the grass Panicum maximum Jacq. occupies a prominent position in the Brazilian livestock industry by presenting high yield and quality, being easily propagated by seeds and highly palatable to livestock. The legumes also are important not only due to the quality and quantity of fodder produced, but also due to fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and transfer to the associated grasses, reducing production costs. Among them, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., Centrosema pubescens Benth. and Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. Although these forages have been studied from the morphological and agronomic standpoint, genetic information is still limited. The characterization of the reproductive system and the knowledge of the extent of genetic variability contained within the germplasm banks can assist in planning strategies to maximize genetic gains. In this context, microsatellite markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity of germplasm banks of selected accessions of P. maximum, C. cajan, C. pubescens and C. mucunoides. Seventy-five polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for P. maximum, 26 for C. pubescens, 23 for C. mucunoides and for C. cajan 43 microsatellites were selected from the literature. The results showed the efficiency of these markers to estimate the intra and interspecific genetic diversity obtained through genetic similarities. It was possible to observe the formation of welldefined clusters among the accessions within these species and in addition, the transferability of these specific markers to other species of tropical forages. Considering the potential of C. pubescens and C. mucunoides for the Brazilian cultivated pastures the reproductive system of these species were characterized with the microsatellites developed. The outcrossing rate was 26% for C. pubescens and 16% for C. mucunoides, showing that both species have a mixed mating system with predominance of autogamy. This information should be considered during the multiplication of seeds for maintenance of the germplasm bank, in order to conserve the integrity of each individual genotype. Knowledge of the genetic structure, together with other biological characteristics of interest can provide support to germplasm conservation programs, sustainable management, domestication and breeding of the species. The microsatellite markers developed in this research, the characterization of the genetic diversity and crossing rates are fundamental results, both promising and consistent to be used in breeding and may contribute to the efficiency of selection and use of the available genetic resources. (AU) | |