Use of RAPD markers to detect genetic variability among 39 sugarcane varieties

In order to increase heterosis in the breeding process, it is necessary to know how similar are the genotypes of the progenitors. RAPDs have been successfully used to measure the genetic relationships of some cultivated species such as sugarcane. 39 sugarcane commercial varieties were analysed using the RAPD technique to measure their genetic similarity in order to identify contrasting progenitors to be included in a breeding program. The fourteen 10-mer primers used generated 57 polymorphic markers. When the genetic similarity using the Dice index was measured, these varieties presented a similarity index mean of 75.6%. They present a wider range of similarity (27.59% to 93.88%) in comparison with results found in other varieties by other studies. The variety CP65-357 was the most different variety of all. With this variety, it was possible to select at least 38 possible combinations that show high contrast.