Morphological and molecular characterization of cubios(Tropaeolum tuberosumRuiz & Pavón) collected in twomunicipalities in Boyaca - Colombia

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the extent of genetic variation among cubios (Tropaeolum tubero-sum) in a diversity micro-center in the department of Boyacá, Colombia, with morphological and ISSR(Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) molecular markers. Twenty-five cubio morphotypes were collectedacross different farms within the municipalities of Belén and Ventaquemada in Boyacá and weresown for subsequent morphological and molecular characterizations. Tuber features were evaluatedaccording to descriptors of the International Potato Center, namely predominant tuber surface color,secondary tuber surface color, secondary tuber surface color distribution, predominant tuber pulpcolor, secondary tuber pulp color, distribution of secondary tuber pulp color, tuber shape, and depth oftuber eyes. Molecular variation was assessed via eight ISSR primers. Morphological and molecularcharacterizations allowed us to identify 25 cubio morphotypes with significant genetic variation in thestudy area. This finding is likely attributed to mechanisms maintaining genetic variability, such asnaturally occurring crosses between morphotypes modulated by environmental conditions and localagricultural practices, including seed exchange and a preference for given morphotypes.

Keywords

• andean tubers; diversity; issr (inter simple sequence repeats); cubios; crop morpho-types