Genetic variability of popping quality traits and microsatellite-based characterization of popcorn inbreds for utilization in breeding programme

Abstract

Popcorn is a popular snack item worldwide. The geneticbase of popcorn germplasm is quite narrow, which resultedin limited number of popcorn hybrids. Here, a set of sub-tropically adapted 39 popcorn inbreds of exotic- andindigenous-origin, were characterized using morphologicaltraits and molecular markers for their effective utilization inhybrid breeding. Significant variation for grain poppingpercentage (GPP: 86.0-98.0%), percent popping expansion(PPE: 1493-3213%) and volume after popping (VAP: 210-315ml) was observed. The mean PPE (2069%) and GPP(93.6%) among popcorn inbreds were higher than thepopcorn check variety, VL popcorn (PPE: 1739%, GPP: 92%).Positive correlations were observed among GPP, PPE andVAP. Molecular characterization using 72 SSRs produced237 alleles with a mean of 3.3 alleles per locus.Polymorphism information content ranged from 0.05 to0.68, while Jaccard’s dissimilarity coefficients varied from0.27-0.82. Principal coordinate analysis also depicted diversegenetic nature of inbreds. Cluster analysis grouped theinbreds into three major clusters each having 16, 18 and 5inbreds. Contrasting inbreds were identified fordevelopment of mapping populations to identify locigoverning desirable popping quality. The study alsoidentified potential heterotic combinations. The informationgenerated here assumes great significance in breeding forpopcorn hybrids