Identification and Characterization of <i>LaSCL6</i> Alleles in <i>Larix kaempferi</i> (Lamb.) Carr. Based on Analysis of Simple Sequence Repeats and Allelic Expression

Abstract

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are widely used as markers for the assessment of genetic diversity and marker-assisted breeding. In a previous study, two SSRs (GCA and CCA), were found in the genomic sequence of Larix (La) SCL6, which plays important roles in the growth and development of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. In this study, we analyzed the polymorphisms of these two SSRs in the L. kaempferi population. We found that each SSR had five different polymorphisms, among which (GCA)7 and (CCA)7 were predominant. In addition, 12 haplotypes were detected, with (GCA)7(CCA)7 having the highest frequency. Furthermore, we detected the haplotypes of LaSCL6 in mature trees and their seeds and analyzed the relationships between parents and offspring. The expression patterns of five LaSCL6 alleles were analyzed and they showed balanced expression during vegetative development. Taken together, these findings not only provide more genetic information on LaSCL6, but also provide a candidate marker for genetic studies and breeding.

Keywords

• Japanese larch
• endosperm
• haplotypes
• genetics
• breeding