Development of RAPD Markers for Parentage Analysis in Laminaria digitata

Abstract
Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were developed for genotyping in Laminaria digitata. Reproducible RAPD banding patterns were reliably obtained, using a quick micro-scale DNA extraction procedure. Intraspecific polymorphism was observed, allowing for unambiguous genotyping within sets of 3–4 sporophytes. A controlled crossing indicated that in this kelp RAPD markers are transmitted to the progeny in a Mendelian way. This approach was then applied to parentage analysis within a set of 30 anonymous sporophytes from a random cross experiment involving 4 parents. The parents of 26 offsprings were unambiguously identified, indicating that cross-fertilisation largely, if not totally, prevailed over self-fertilisation.