Molecular analysis of genetic stability in micropropagated apple rootstock MM106

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess the genetic stability of 10 micropropagated plants regenerated through axillary buds of clonal apple (Malus pumila Mill.) rootstock MM 106. Eleven random decamer primers were successfully used to analyse genomic DNA from mother plants and in vitro plant material. A total of 129 scorable fragments were amplified with an average of 11.73 bands per primer. Among them, 99 were monomorphic and 30 were polymorphic with 23.2% polymorphism. Among these 30, 12 were found monomorphic across seven plants and parent. Three plants could be regarded as off-types. Our results show that RAPD markers could be used to detect the genetic similarities and dissimilarities in micropropagated material. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.