Detection of peroxidase gene polymorphism in rice varieties developed in Turkey

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food sources. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity among 50 rice varieties, 46 of which developed in Turkey, by using POGP (Peroxidase gene polymorphism) markers. Thirteen different peroxidase (POX) gene primer combinations were used in PCR reactions. Statistical analyses were performed by using POPGENE, FIGTREE and NTSYS, STRUCTURE softwares. The primers generated a total of 160 clear (ranged between 150 and 2500 bp) and reproducible bands, of which 146 were polymorphic (91.25%). UPGMA dendrogram and PCoA grouped 50 rice cultivars into two main clusters. The highest pairwise genetic identity was obtained between Trakya and Durağan (0.869) and lowest pairwise genetic identity was obtained between Aromatik I and Küplü (0.631). The STRUCTURE analysis resolved the 50 rice varieties in three differentiated groups, which represents three gene-pools. Discriminating power of POGP markers was assessed by calculating polymorphic information content (PIC) and resolving power (Rp). The average PIC value was 0.661 and it ranged from zero (POX14F/POX14R) to 0.877 (POX4F/POX4R) and resolving power of the primers ranged from 0 to 8.585 (POX11F/POX11R). This work represents first report using peroxidase gene polymorphism to determine genetic variation among Turkish rice cultivars and the obtained information will provide important knowledge for rice breeding programs in our country.