Amplified fragment length polymorphism for genetic diversity assessment in artichoke

Globe artichoke ( Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L.) is a diploid (2 n=2 x=34), predominantly cross-pollinated plant native to the Mediterranean basin, and Italy contains the richest primary cultivated 'gene pool'. Commercial production is mainly based on perennial cultivation of vegetatively propagated clones that are highly heterozygous and segregate widely when progeny-tested. Analysis of the artichoke genome by means of molecular markers has been limited to a few studies; here we report on the genetic relatedness among 118 artichoke accessions, including clones belonging to the same varietal type, two accessions of cultivated cardoon ( C. cardunculus L. var. altilis DC.) and four accessions of wild cardoon [ C. cardunculus L. var. sylvestris (Lamk) Fiori] as measured by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Eight primer combinations yielded a total of 667 bands, of which 519 were polymorphic. Genetic similarities among accessions were calculated according to Jaccard's Similarity Index and used to construct a dendrogram based on the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages. Our results demonstrate that AFLP markers can be useful in evaluating Cynara cardunculus genetic diversity and in classifying accessions to phylogenetic groups based on their genetic similarity values. Genetic variation among artichoke clones belonging to the same varietal type was in some cases higher than that found among accessions differently named and coming from different areas. The lowest Jaccard's Similarity Index found within a varietal type can be considered as a threshold for the identification of accessions which share an analogous genetic background. This will enable the selection of representatives in order to develop and manage a germplasm 'core collection' as well as the identification of suitable material for future artichoke breeding efforts.