Abstract

Panicum maximum Jacq. is an important forage grass of African origin largely used in the tropics. The genetic breeding of this species is based on the hybridization of sexual and apomictic genotypes and selection of apomictic F₁ hybrids. The objective of this work was to identify molecular markers linked to apomixis in P. maximum to determine easily and at an early stage, the reproductive mode of F₁ hybrids, so to assist the breeding program. A bulked segregant analysis was performed using 184 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers in an F₁ population of P. maximum segregating for reproductive mode. Four RAPD markers linked to apomixis were identified and mapped in this population. These markers showed good selection efficiency, ranging from 77.3 to 88%, with 81.3% when analyzed together. Two of these markers were easily transferred to another F₁ population of P. maximum. In this population, the selection efficiency was also high for both markers; 84.8 and 90%, when analyzed together. These markers may be used in the assisted selection for reproductive mode in both F₁ progenies of P. maximum studied here and in other populations to which they can be transferred.

Key words: Guinea grass, apospory, reproduction mode, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), selection efficiency.