SOME MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES TO CHARACTERIZE PLANT GENOMES (CHICKPEA) AND THEIR POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The taxonomic classification of organisms generally involves the analysis of their morphologic characteristics. However, taxonomists have serious problems trying to locate, in a suitable manner, individuals who belong to the same species, subspecies, variety, accession, etc., with identical phenotypes. The breeder needs to identify his plants, from a genetic point of view, in order to incorporate efficiently in his programs, those who possess the best potential; such selection may become difficult if plants are phenotypically indistinct. Researchers usually cross outstanding individuals and select the offspring, which allows them, in a long term, to make endogamic varieties. This process is very expensive and very slow. In order to facilitate the appropriate plant selection, during the past decade, molecular techniques were developed to determine with precision the specific DNA profile, which allows to establish a unique and trustable typification called “DNA fingerprints”, and the detection of markers that are related to different aspects such as phatogen or stress resistance, or yield, among others. On the other hand, these techniques have also granted two things: the elaboration of genetic maps in a lesser time, and the making of more efficient programs in the genetic breeding. The purpose of this work is to describe some of these techniques, normally used to typify plant genomes, and show with its own results those who are particularly efficient for the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).