Evaluation of two different groups of Slovenian maize populations using morphological traits and Hbr (MITE) markers

Abstract

Two different groups of Slovenian maize populations from the germplasm bank at the Agronomy Department of Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana were analyzed. The first group included eleven landraces from Bohinj (B1-B9 and B11-B12) and the second one included 14 landraces from Štajerska region, from the surroundings of Vojnik and Laško (Š1-Š14). Thirty-five morphological characteristics of plants, ears and kernels were described using IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resource Institute) descriptors during the vegetation period on a field and in a laboratory. Genetic characterization was performed on DNA bulks from 25 plants per population by genotyping 161 Heartbreaker (Hbr) markers. Generally, according to the genetic and morphological data, populations from Bohinj are clearly differentiated from populations from Štajerska region. The only exceptions are populations B1 and B8, which are similar to Štajerska populations, according to the morphological traits. B1 differs from other Bohinj populations by color of kernels, which is yellow due to the colorless pericarp and yellow aleuron. Kernels of all other Bohinj population had brown color, while Štajerska populations had yellow or white kernels. Analysis, especially presence/absence of Hbr elements and their population frequencies, suggests that all populations are separated, although some of them are geographically closely located. It seems that farmers have been able to maintain their landraces by repeat sowing of their own seeds and by preventing uncontrolled crossing with other populations.