Genome Studies by Means of DNA Markers of the Blackcurrant

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of foreign and Russian studies of the genus Ribes genome by means of DNA markers. A list of methods for DNA extraction from currants is given. Studies on the use of different types of DNA markers (RAPD, AFLP, ISSR, SSR) for genetic diversity, identification of varieties, molecular phylogeny, and systematics are represented. In the works of various research teams, a high level of polymorphism revealed by microsatellite markers is shown. Examples and prospects for their use in development of identification tools, validations of pedigrees, and collection management are represented. The paper describes genetic maps of blackcurrant developed by means of AFLP, SSR, SNP DNA markers. A list of QTL (quantitative trait loci) localized on genetic maps is represented. The published techniques for marker-assisted selection are described: DNA markers of gene Се and gene Р of blackcurrant resistance to gall mite and DNA markers of green and black color of berries. The method of gene Ce detection improved by the authors is described. Blackcurrant is the most widely studied by means of DNA markers crop of genus Ribes L. The prospects for further development of genome studies of currants and the possibilities that these studies will open for further human-directed improvement of these economically important crops are considered.