Detection of DNA sequence polymorphisms among wheat varieties.

A DNA marker detection strategy that allows the rapid, efficient resolution of high levels of polymorphism among closely related lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been developed to circumvent the apparent lack of restriction fragment length polymorphism in many important self-pollinated crop species. The technique of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was combined with a denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis system (DGGE) to explore DNA sequence polymorphisms among different genotypes of wheat. Of the 65 primer combinations used for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications, over 38% of them produced readily detectable and reproducible DNA polymorphisms between a spring wheat line, SO852, and a winter wheat variety, 'Clark'. A high level of polymorphism was observed among a number of commercial varieties and breeding lines of wheat. This procedure was also used to detect polymorphisms in a recombinant inbred population to test the feasibility of its application in genome mapping. This DNA polymorphism detection system provides an opportunity for pedigree analysis and fingerprinting of developed wheat lines as well as construction of a high density genetic map of wheat. Without the need for (32)P and sophisticated DNA extraction procedures, this approach should make it feasible to utilize marker-based selection in a plant breeding program.