Molecular Characterization by AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) in accessions of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.)

Author(s)

Mariana Letícia Costa Redondo

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA/STB)
• Defense date: 2011-06-09

Examining board members

Tsai Siu Mui; Marcilio de Almeida; Carlos Augusto Colombo

• Advisor: Tsai Siu Mui

Abstract

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L) is a very versatile plant with several potential uses especially for the production of biodiesel. The oil obtained from its seeds is the most profitable product of this specie and it is currently attracting great interest in various economic sectors. Molecular characterization and evaluation of reproductive potential of the accessions of pysic nut have still little attention in Brazil, it still need the characterization of Brazilian accessions and its potenciality. The ains of this study were: to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic divergence in commercial accessions of physic nut, from the States of São Paulo (Alvinlândia, Lins, Jales and Itatinga), Minas Gerais (Janaúba)and Mato Grosso do Sul (Dourados). Firstly we compared the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) RAPD-RFLP (Fragment Length Polymorphism Restriction from RAPD) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymprphism) regarding the potencial to detect polymorphism within the accessions and among accessions. Subsequently, the accessions were characterized by AFLP. Moreover this work aimed to detect whether there are differenced on flower structures and development and the rate of pollen viability on the accessions of São Paulo (Alvinlândia), Minas Gerias and Mato Grosso do Sul. On this part of the study were analysed and identified the structures of the floral organs and pollen grain through the techniques of, light microscopy, scanning electron and transmission microscopy. Comparing the molecular techniques, only AFLP allowed the detection of polymorphisms based on the accession chosen for testing (Alvinlândia, SP). Analyses of all accesses by AFLP showed considerable polymorphism, wich was reflected in estimates of genetic diversity index of Nei and Shannon. In cluster analysis, samples of each accessions were grouped consistently. The accessions of Dourados and Itatinga formed a separated group, with approximately 76% similarity with the second group (Alvinlândia, Jales, Lins, Janaúba). Within the last, accessions of São Paulo werte grouped (about 84% similarity), while Janaúba showed p separately, with 82% of genetic similarity. These results indicates that the accessions of São Paulo probably originates from Janaúba. However Itatinga probably originates from Dourados. As floral morphology, we observed no difference at microscope level on the formation and on the structures of floral organs. When compared the pollen grain viability between the two accessions collected in the field (Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul), it was noted that the viability rated were significantly different, even though the values being very close (Mato Grosso do Sul Minas Gerais 81,91% - 77,20%), shows that both the accessions of Minas Gerais as the Mato Grosso do Sul can be used as male parental in breeding programs. The moderate and low genetic divergence suggests that morphological variability collections of materials in a few locations could represent the genetis diversity of the species. Further studies employing techniques such as microsatellite and more accessions are required for an understanding of diversity and genetic structure of physic nut in Brazil (AU)