Identification of navy bean varieties using a random amplification of polymorphic DNA

Abstract

Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) was applied to the identification of Australian navy bean varieties. A total of 296 markers were generated from 29 primers. Three new navy bean varieties that were difficult to distinguish by visual characteristics could be uniquely identified by RAPDPCR. The varieties were distinguished from their parents and from 3 commercially available varieties. The overall level of polymorphism between all varieties was low (about 15%). However, 3 lines (Campbell-11, CH33-8D, Spearfelt) were more distinct genetically from the other genotypes (e.g. similarity of only 75%). Analysis using RAPD-PCR molecular markers may allow distinction of varieties for plant variety rights and will provide information on the genetic relationships of these varieties for breeding purposes.