Studies on Genetic Variability in Rice Using Molecular markers

Abstract

The genetic diversity and DNA fmgerprinting of 25 rice genotypes using 20 SSR primers on chromosome numbers 7-12 was investigated. DNA was extracted by bulking the leaf samples collected and preserved, using by modified CTAB method. The banding patter11 was recorded in the fortn of 0-1 data sheet which was analyzed using UPGMA based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient. The results revealed that out of 20, 15 primers showed distinct polymorphism among the cultivars studied indicating the robust nature of microsatellites in revealing polymorphism. The cluster analysis showed a significant genetic variation among the rice cultivars studied with similarity coefficients ranging between 0.36 and 0.92. The dendrogram revealed 3 major distinct clusters. Results obtained in genetic diversity studies of Basmati, nonbasmati, hybrid and traditional varieties with SSR markers indicate that more genetic diversity exist among Basmati, nonbasmati, hybrid and traditional varieties of rice. Based on this study, the larger range of similarity values for related cultivars using microsatellites provides greater confidence for the assessment of genetic diversity and relationships. The infotnlation obtained from the DNA fingerprinting studies helps to distinctly . identify and characterize 25 varieties using 15 different SSR primers. This information can be used in background selections during backcross breeding programs.