Genetic diversity of Rhopalosiphum padi L. (Hom.: Aphididae) using microsatellite markers

Abstract :

The aphid Rhopalosiphum padi is an important pest of cereal crops worldwide. Because of having both sexual and asexual populations, it has been the target of extensive ecological and genetic studies. In this paper we report on genetic variation of R. padi in Iran based on microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity of thirty five R. padi clones, collected from various cultivated and wild host plants in different regions in Iran, was studied using eight microsatellite markers. Out of eight markers, five showed 16 polymorphic bands, varying from 2 to 5, with an average of 3.2. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Iranian aphid clones collected from northern, north-eastern, northwestern, southern, south-western and central region of Iran were clustered into four distinct groups. A significant correlation was observed between aphid clones and geographical regions. According to our results, geographic populations differed significantly and their genetic distance could be mainly explained by geographic separation. Apparently geographic barriers hinder gene flow and genetic variation among Iranian R. padi clones


Keyword :

Cereal, aphid clones, phylogenetic analyses, geographic populations


Author(s) : Aleosfoor, M., Izadpanah, K., Mossadegh, M. S., Masoumi, M., Sadeghi, M. S., Mardi, M., Afsharifar, A. R., Hayati, J.
Downloads : 1805
Published Issue : 2012 Vol. 7 Number 2


2012 Vol. 7 Number 2