Molecular diversity analysis of pigeonpea genotypes for scar marker development

Abstract

Pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. is one of the good host plants for lac cultivation in North East India, besides being an important pulse crop. The correct identification of genotype is highly required to reap the benefits of the given pigeonpea genotype. This study was conducted in ten pigeonpea genotypes known for either grain yielding or lac yielding properties and collected from different regions of the country. The genotypes were analyzed with 20 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) primers. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram constructed based on Nei’s genetic distance clustered high lac yielding and high grain yielding genotypes to certain extent. Few RAPD locus, specific for certain genotypes, especially the high lac yielder, Assam local 1 were obtained. Those loci have the potential to be generated as diagnostic SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions) markers that could be accurate and reliable marker for identification. The conversion of dominant and random RAPD markers to codominant and specific SCAR marker offers a simple and reliable tool for the genetic identification of genotypes. Molecular markers identified from these approaches that are associated with desired traits would be helpful for the selection of elite germplasm of pigeonpea for lac cultivation and high yield of pulses.