AUTHOR=Hu Jun , Mei Meng , Jin Fang , Xu Jianfei , Duan Shaoguang , Bian Chunsong , Li Guangcun , Wang Xiyao , Jin Liping 

TITLE=Phenotypic variability and genetic diversity analysis of cultivated potatoes in China

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.954162

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2022.954162

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p>Phenotypic evaluation and molecular biotechnology are both important in the identification and utilization of crop germplasm resources. In this study, the phenotypic variation and genetic diversity of 149 main potato cultivars in China were investigated with 12 phenotypic traits and 24 SSR markers. The coefficient of variation of 12 phenotypic traits ranged from 12.11% to 156.93%. The results of SSR markers exhibited a relatively high level of genetic variation (<italic>Na</italic> =5.458 ± 1.499, <italic>Ne</italic> =3.300 ± 1.087, <italic>I</italic> =1.397 ± 0.298, <italic>Ho</italic> =0.797 ± 0.178, <italic>He</italic> = 0.660 ± 0.117, and <italic>PIC</italic>=0.702 ± 0.087). Population structure and phylogenetic tree analysis divided the varieties into three subgroups. The results indicated that ninety percent of the molecular variance was attributed to within-group differences, and the remaining 10% was attributed to variation among groups. Consistent with previous report, alleles of the STI032 marker were significantly associated with tuber starch content and growth period traits in the population. The results of this study could facilitate the utilization of potato germplasm resources, molecular genetic breeding and improvement.</p>