Analysis and Visualization of Genetic Diversity in Hop (Humulus lupulus)

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a dioecious cone-bearing plant. The resin produced in the cone of the female hop plant, lupulin, contains essential oils and organic acids that contribute to the flavor, aroma, and bitterness of beer. H. lupulus is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is of great economic importance in the United States, particularly Washington State. It is important for breeding programs to continue to create new and improved hop cultivars. To do this, breeders must effectively utilize the genetic diversity of H. lupulus. The genetic diversity and relationship of 117 hop samples were assessed using targeted region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers. Six primer combinations (three sets of polymerase chain reaction) produced a total of 77 polymorphic markers. In addition to analyzing the genetic diversity and relationship among these individuals a virtual version of the data was created using a custom software seeDNA©. The software generates a unique genetic identity number based on the amplified markers and utilizes size of DNA fragments to create a two dimensional barcode. seeDNA© is a generic software that is compatible with all types of marker output including SNPs generated via next generation sequencing platforms. STRUCTURE analysis segregated the 117 accessions into 14 major genetic groups. This information will be useful in guiding genetic hybridization to introgress desirable traits in commercial varieties in the WSU Prosser Hop Breeding program.