OPTIMIZATION OF THE DNA EXTRACTION METHOD FOR HAZELNUT LEAVES AND SSR MARKERS EFFICIENCY EVALUATION FOR CHARACTERIZING THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF CORYLUS AVELLANA L.

Сollections of hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) from the border subtropical growing regions can be an important source of tolerant germplasm for the breeding of highly resistant genotypes, which can be more adaptable to changing environmental conditions. However, the efficient use of these germplasms requires their genetic background. Therefore, efficient marker systems and high-quality DNA material are necessary for the characterization and identification of valuable accessions. In this study, we optimized the method of DNA extracting from hazelnut leaves and evaluated the efficiency of SSR microsatellite markers for further genotyping. DNA was isolated by the classical CTAB method and its modifications, as well as by two commercial kits. The addition of 2 % PVP (m. w. 40,000) to the CTAB buffer showed the best DNA result for PCR analysis. As a result of the efficiency evaluation, four of the 26 SSR markers, such as А604 (Na = 2,65, He = 0,62, Ho = 0,57), А611 (Na = 2,80, He = 0,64, Ho = 0,86), В606 (Na = 2,80, He = 0,64, Ho = 0,57) showеd the good applicability to assess the genetic diversity of C. avellana. The authors also noted the need to continue the search and development of more efficient SSR markers for the genetic diversity assessing and phylogenetic studies of hazelnuts. The obtained results are important for the conservation and competent management of hazelnut genetic resources in the Western Caucasus and can be used to optimize future research by identifying a minimum number of accessions on which to focus when improving breeding efficiency.