Morphological characterization and genetic evaluation using RAPD molecular markers of Agave maximiliana Baker

Resumen

Objective: To study perform morphological characterization and use RAPD molecular markers in individuals of the species Agave maximiliana to detect its genetic variation.

Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted with 40 samples from individuals collected in four locations in the municipalities of Mixtlán and Mascota, Jalisco. Morphological characterization of the selected individuals was performed by measuring seven foliar variables. Genetic characterization was performed using the RAPD technique, using primers OPA02 and OPA03 to obtain amplicon patterns. Cluster analysis, AMOVA, PERMANOVA, and Mantel analysis were performed based on the data obtained.

Results: The first three principal components explain 99.64% of the observed variability. Additionally, molecular variables show greater genetic variation within populations (96%) than between populations (4%). These values ​​yield a p-value of 0.2717 and a PhiPT of 0.052, indicating a moderate level of genetic differentiation among the studied populations. The PERMANOVA showed a p-value of 0.0793, and the Mantel test resulted in a p-value of 0.3305.

Limitations on study/implications: The samples of A. maximiliana correspond only to an area called the “mountainous raicilla zone” in Jalisco, Mexico, and the results of this study are exclusive to that region.

Findings/conclusions: The analysis of morphological diversity showed no significance among the sampling populations and the individuals were not separated into groups defined by geographical origin. Furthermore, molecular analysis showed that there is more variability within local populations than among sampled populations.