Evaluation of the genetic diversity among populations is an essential prerequisite for the preservation of endangered species. Thousands of new accessions are introduced into germplasm institutes each year, thereby necessitating assessment of their molecular diversity before elimination of the redundant genotypes. Of the protocols that facilitate the assessment of molecular diversity, SSRPs (simple sequence repeat polymorphisms) or microsatellite variation is the preferred system since it detects a large number of DNA polymorphisms with relatively simple technical complexity. The paucity of information on DNA sequences has limited their widespread utilization in the assessment of genetic diversity of minor or neglected crop species. However, recent advancements in DNA sequencing and PCR technologies in conjunction with sophisticated computer software have facilitated the development of SSRP markers in minor crops. This review examines the development and molecular nature of SSR markers, and their utilization in many aspects of plant genetics and ecology.

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Thermotolerance is very important for plant survival when plants are subjected to lethally high temperature. However, thus far little is known about the functions of RING E3 ligase in response to heat shock in plants. This study found that one rice gene encoding the RING finger protein was specifically induced by heat and cold stress treatments but not by salinity or dehydration and named it OsHCI1 (Oryza sativa heat and cold induced 1). Subcellular localization results showed that OsHCI1 was mainly associated with the Golgi apparatus and moved rapidly and extensively along the cytoskeleton. In contrast, OsHCI1 may have accumulated in the nucleus under high temperatures. OsHCI1 physically interacted with nuclear substrate proteins including a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. Transient co-overexpression of OsHCI1 and each of three nuclear proteins showed that their fluorescent signals moved into the cytoplasm as punctuate formations. Heterogeneous overexpression of OsHCI1 in Arabidopsis highly increased survival rate through acquired thermotolerance. It is proposed that OsHCI1 mediates nuclear–cytoplasmic trafficking of nuclear substrate proteins via monoubiquitination and drives an inactivation device for the nuclear proteins under heat shock.

and stem, wrinkly or nonwrinkly leaves, and a fragrance specific to var. crispa. Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens is extensively culti-Today P. frutescens var. frutescens is extensively cultivated on a large scale throughout the Korea, whereas var. crispa is vated and used in Korea (Nitta, 2001), although cultinot. The weedy types of both var. frutescens and var. crispa are ofvated var. frutescens probably originated in China (Maten found along roadsides, waste lands, and around farmers' fields. Although Perilla is one of the important leafy vegetable and oil crops kino, 1961). In Korea, var. frutescens is used not only in Korea, systematic analyses on its genetic structure have been limited as an oil crop but also as a vegetable crop. Recently, and are needed for future breeding progress. The objective of this accompanied by increased meat consumption and develstudy was to determine genetic diversity and relatedness in Korean opment of various cooking methods of fresh leaves, var. accessions of Perilla. Field surveys and amplified fragment length frutescens became one of the most important crops in polymorphism (AFLP) analyses were conducted to determine genetic Korea. However, modern breeding methods and sysdiversity. Analyses of 30 Perilla accessions by seven AFLP primer tematic introduction of germplasm have not been praccombinations identified a total of 121 fragments, of which 72 (60%) ticed widely on this crop in Korea. No cultivars have were polymorphic at the species level. Shanon's index of diversity Hs been developed solely for production as oil or vegetaof the AFLP variations for cultivated type of var. frutescens, weedy ble crop. type of var. frutescens, and weedy type of var. crispa were 0.63, 2.00, and 1.75, respectively. The weedy type of var. frutescens exhibited