Use of RAPD technology to identify mast potentials in hardwood species

Abstract

It is generally recognized that within a hardwood species population some individuals consistently produce heavy mast (acorn, nut, seed) crops while other individuals will not. Identification of an individual's masting characteristics could potentially be accomplished using molecular markers. Use of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker system, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), is suited to this system. RAPDs are useful for distinguishing different individuals in a population. Leaf samples were collected from 128 individuals of twelve hardwood tree species. Field observations at the time of collection showed these trees to vary widely in mast production. Species included five oaks and two hickories, as well as sugarberry, dogwood, persimmon, blackgum and swamp tupelo. Eight years of recorded mast production data are available for samples from three oak species collected on one site. DNA was successfully extracted from the leaf material of each species and amplified using random primers. Both heavy and light mast producing tree DNAs were initially evaluated individually. We then used bulk segregant analysis experimental methods to evaluate the potential of this approach to identify mast production traits. DNAs of the heavy mast producers were combined in one ·aliquot and the DNAs of the light mast producers in a separate aliquot. These two groups were compared using various primers to detect distinguishing RAPD markers. Markers specific for only one bulk, either heavy or light, could correlate with the masting trait. These methods have potential for the early identification of good mast producers for selection, breeding and seed orchard use for these hardwood tree species.

Citation

Crane, B. S.; Pearson, L.; Hook, D. D. 1992. Use of RAPD technology to identify mast potentials in hardwood species. In: Proceedings of the Seventh Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference; 1992 Nov. 17-19; Mobile, AL: 273-277.