Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in hop, Humulus lupulus: level of genetic variability and segregation in F1 progeny.

The level of genetic variation in 24 hop genotypes was studied using the recently developed technique for producing random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Of the 60 primers screened, eight produced polymorphic RAPD bands, 38 produced bands that were monomorphic for all genotypes and 19 did not produce any amplification product. It appeared that the level of polymorphism among the genotypes was generally low. Three of the primers, A11, A17 and C9, were used to determine the stability and segregation of RAPD markers in five families with a total of 182 F1 progeny. The segregation ratios of these markers in the f1 progeny suggested that they were inherited in a Mendelian manner. RAPD markers were stable and may be useful for the construction of linkage maps in hop.