Molecular characterization of beast’s maguey (Agave antillarum Descourt), in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Background:This research project was proposed to determine the genetic variability (if any) of beast maguey (Agave antillanarum Decourt) populations, by means of molecular markers of the AFLPs (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) type. For the determination of genetic variability, samples were collected from wild populations of maguey growing in some regions of the Dominican Republic, mainly the north, northwest, south and southwest regions, using statistical techniques already established for these cases. These samples were processed and analyzed in the plant molecular biology laboratory of the Centtro de Biotecnología Vegetal (CEBIVE) of Instituto de Innovación en Biotecnología e Industria (IIBI) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.Results: As for the genetic diversity is concerned, it was found that several of the populations studied differ from each other without taking into account the geographic distance where they grow. We concluded that there is a possibility that more than one species of Agave antillarun could be found in the wild in the Dominican Republic.---