Characterization of the retrotransposon population in Agave tequilana and their use as molecular genetic markers

Agave tequilana Weber var. azul (blue agave) is the only variety used for the production of the famous beverage tequila. The asexual mode of propagation together with the intensive cultivation of the last decades has resulted in the narrowing of its genetic profile and dramatic losses due to diseases. A breeding programme is desperately needed for this crop but the genetic relationships between this variety, other agave germplasm and wild species is poorly understood. Retrotransposon-based molecular markers have proven to be highly informative in determining phylogenetic relationships in other crop plants. In the work presented here, two such systems, SSAP and IRAP, were developed in the blue agave genome to study the phylogenies and genetic diversity within Agave tequilana varieties and other agave species. SSAP and IRAP were more informative compared to previous DNA marker analysis in agave, showing high levels of polymorphism and the identification of two very closely related varieties to blue agave.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo