ABSTRACT
Isoenzymatic diversity of Chilean lentil germplasm (Lens culinaris Medik).

Mitzy Rodriguez M.1, Mario Paredes C., Viviana Becerra V.
 

The genetic diversity of 91 representative Chilean and exotic lentillandraces was analysed using 10 isozyme systems as genetic markers. Genetic distances based upon isoenzimatic diversity did not detect a clear-cut separation between micro and macrosperma genotypes. Cluster analyses detected two groups, one including 95% ofthe accessions studied and all the Chilean cultivars which represented 44.7% and constituted a homogeneous group. The reduced genetic distance observed between Chilean and other lentil materials may have a significant impact upon the germplasm conservation and genetic improvement of this species in Chile.

Keywords: genetic diversity, isozymes, germplasm evaluation.
1 Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Centro Regional de Investigación Quilamapu, Casilla 426, Chillán, Chile. E-mail: mparedes@inia.cl.