Résumé
The search for associations between molecular markers and variation of traits with agronomic importance is a main goal of Marker-Assisted Selection development, especially for perennials species. Knowledge of genetic diversity and structure is a prerequisite for such studies. In the same way, knowledge of structure and extant of Linkage Disequilibrium in populations is an important task. We strengthen and fine-tuned previously described genetic structure and diversity of Coffea canephora Pierre in order to assess the capabilities of association mapping based approaches for this species. We laid the basis for rapid characterization of genetic resources with the help of microsatellite markers and clarify the genetic origin of a previously nonstudied population. Future development of core-collections will benefit from these results. Structure and extent of Linkage Disequilibrium was determined at different scales and for different populations or genetic groups, with the help of 108 genome wide markers, giving the opportunities to identify suitable populations for the 2 assocation mapping categories, genome-wide scan and candidate region. A first try of association mapping confirms the important capabilities of such approaches for our species. Implications of genetic diversity and structure as well as Linkage Disequilibrium structure for future breeding purposes are discussed