Evolution of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) after recent introduction into a South Pacific Island system: the contribution of sex to the diversification of a clonally propagated crop

Genome. 2008 Nov;51(11):912-21. doi: 10.1139/G08-080.

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a clonally propagated crop that was introduced into the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu in the 1850s. Based on a survey conducted in 10 different villages throughout the archipelago, we present here a study of its diversity. Farmers' knowledge about cultivation cycle and sexual reproduction of cassava was recorded during group interviews in each village. Using a set of 11 SSR markers, we genotyped the 104 landraces collected and 60 supplementary accessions from a within-landrace study (12 landraces x 5 plants). Out of the 104 landraces collected, we discovered 77 different multilocus genotypes and the within-landrace study identified several polyclonal landraces. Our data suggest a number of hypotheses about the dynamics of diversity of cassava in Vanuatu.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breeding
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Genetic Variation
  • Manihot / classification
  • Manihot / genetics*
  • Minisatellite Repeats
  • Phylogeny
  • Reproduction / genetics
  • Vanuatu

Substances

  • DNA, Plant