Abstract
The level of genetic diversity and the population genetic structure of sorghum landraces from North-western Morocco have been investigated based on direct field-sampling using both allozyme and microsatellite markers. As expected, microsatellite markers showed a much higher degree of polymorphism than allozymes, but relative measures of genetic structure such as Wright’s inbreeding coefficient F IS and Nei’s coefficient of genetic differentiation G ST were similar for the two sets of markers. Substantial inbreeding was found to occur within fields, which confirms that sorghum is predominantly selfing under cultivation. Most of the genetic diversity in Moroccan landraces occurs within fields (more than 85%), as opposed to among fields or among regions, a result which contrasts to those of studies based on accessions from germplasm collections. It is suggested that individual fields of sorghum constitute valuable units of conservation in the context of in situ conservation practices.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 8 December 1998 / Accepted: 28 December 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Djè, Y., Forcioli, D., Ater, M. et al. Assessing population genetic structure of sorghum landraces from North-western Morocco using allozyme and microsatellite markers. Theor Appl Genet 99, 157–163 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001220051220
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001220051220