Studies on genetic diversity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using SSR markers

Abstract

Rice is the most important staple food grain of all cereal crops and feeds more than half of the world’s population. Assessment of genetic diversity is of utmost important in rice breeding from the perspective of selection, conservation and proper utilization. The present study was undertaken with an objective to assess the genetic diversity among 28 rice cultivars by use of 22 SSR markers. A total of 41 alleles were detected across 28 rice cultivars used. PIC values varied widely among SSR loci tested and it ranged from 0.753 to 0.067, with a mean value of 0.376. The 28 rice cultivars were grouped into two clusters i.e., cluster I and II with dissimilarity coefficient 0.42. Cluster I was sub divided into two minor sub-groups IA and IB having 6 and 11 genotypes respectively. IB was further subdivided into minor groups. In similar way, the second main cluster i.e. Cluster II was also sub divided into two minor sub-groups that is IIA and IIB having 3 and 8 genotypes respectively. IIB further divided into minor groups. This indicated presence of considerable diversity in the genotypes studied. The most diverse cultivars were HUR4-3 and GSRIR1DQ125-L2-D2.