Genome constitution and classification using retrotransposon-based markers in the orphan crop banana

We have exploited the repetitive and dispersed nature of many long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposon families for characterizing genome constitutions and classifying cultivars of the genus Musa. Insertional polymorphisms of the elements were studied using seven published and two newly designed primers facing outwards from the LTRs and reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of the retrotransposon. The primers generated specific amplification patterns showing the universal applicability of this marker type. The Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) markers distinguished the A and B genomes of the banana species (Musa acuminata Colla and Musa balbisiana Colla) and between banana cultivars. The IRAP markers enabled phylogenetic analysis of 16 Malaysian banana cultivars and determination of the genome constitution of hybrid banana (AAB, ABB, AABB, and AAAR), and gave information about ancestral genotypes of the hybrids. In addition, the IRAP detected new retrotransposon insertions into the genome of tissue culture regenerants. This PCR-based IRAP assay is amenable to large-scale throughput demands in screening breeding populations and is applicable for any crop.