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Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) were used to estimate
genetic distances and determine the correlation between genetic distance
and hybrid performance of 29 tomato lines that were the parents in a diallel
mating design. Among 97 observed bands, 69 showed polymorphism and were
used for establishing genetic distances based on the Nei coefficient between
parents. A UPGMA dendrogram and Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis
based on Nei genetic distances clearly clustered each group, confirming
the variation at a molecular level. Correlations between genetic distances
of the parents and performances of hybrids were established for various
quantitative traits. Significant correlations were found between RAPD
markers estimated genetic distances and MPH, HPH, SCA for some traits.
The low correlation between parental genetic distances and hybrid performances
for some quantitative traits suggested that RAPD markers have low linkage
to Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) or have inadequate genome coverage for
these traits. The results indicated that RAPD markers can be used as a
tool for determining the extent of genetic diversity among tomato lines,
for allocating genotypes into different groups and also to aid in the
choice of the superior crosses to be made among tomato lines, so reducing
the number of crosses required under field evaluation.
