Association analysis of morphological traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.) by using ISSR markers

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the most ancient medicinal oil crops in the world. It has been vastly distributed in different parts of Iran. Association analysis based on 16 combinations of ISSR primers was applied in order to identify ISSR markers associated with genes controlling 26 morphological traits in 12 populations of castor. The genotypes were evaluated for morphological traits in randomized complete block design with three replications in experimental field of Agricultural Research Center of West-Azerbaijan during 2012. Locus UBC-859 was the most effective marker to assessment the diversity in populations of castor. Based on 116 loci produced by ISSR primers, the studied genotypes divided into 6 subpopulations. Using mixed linear model (MLM), 26 loci were identified to be significantly associated with 17 morphological traits. R2 values ranged from 12.4% (UBC857-5) to 28.1% (UBC844-2). Most of the identified markers were associated specifically with one trait. UBC812-8 was associated with 8 traits. Common markers between some of the studied traits can be due to linkage or pleiotropic effects. The common markers lead to increase the efficiency of marker-assisted selection in plant breeding programs via simultaneously selection for several traits.