Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphisms Analyses of Local and Introduced Alfalfa Accessions

18 non-dormant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) accessions (10 landraces and 8 introduced accessions) were analyzed for genetic diversity at molecular level using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP). 16 SRAP  primer combinations generated 677 peaks (fragments), 665 of which (98.3%) were polymorphic across all accessions. High level of polymorphism was observed with average polymorphic information content PIC value = 0.96, and average number of 42.3 polymorphic fragments per primer pairs. Jaccard similarity indices ranged from 0.1 to 0.64 among accessions.

Based on obtained SRAP data, local accessions showed tendency to group together in the same cluster or formed separate clusters. Clusters of local accessions sometimes correlated with their collection site. SRAP analysis showed to be effective to study genetic variability of non-dormant alfalfa,  and will be useful tool in breeding alfalfa varieties adapted to harsh environmental conditions.