The Use of Molecular Markers in Genetic Variability Analysis of a Collection of \u3cem\u3eDactylis Glomerata\u3c/em\u3e L.

Dactylis glomerata L. is one of the three most used perennial grasses in Europe (jointly with Lolium perenne and Festuca arundinacea). The main qualities of Dactylis glomerata are high productivity in pure cultures, high level of proteins and tolerance to drought, cold and shade (Mousset & Chosson, 1986). In the last ten years, techniques that allow direct discrimination at the DNA level have encouraged the study of the genetic variability within cultivated populations as well as identification of the diversity available in germplasm banks. DNA polymorphisms have been shown to be efficient in the identification of genetic variability in several groups of plants. They can be used as an auxiliary tool in breeding programs through obtaining genetic maps and in the identification of molecular markers useful for assisting selection. The aims of this work were: (1) to study the genetic variability of 100 genotypes in a collection of Dactylis glomerata from several areas of Portugal, grown in the experimental fields of ENMP-INIAP, using PCR based molecular markers obtained with RAPD and ISSR primers, together with morphological and agronomic characterization, (2) to select genotypes that may function as parents of new synthetic varieties