Genetic diversity assessment in selected genetic resources of Gmelina arborea Roxb using RAPD markers

Abstract

The genetic diversity and relationship among the fourteen accessions of Gmelina arborea were assessed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The RAPD profiles of all the accessions were compared and a total of 262 scorable bands were produced with fifteen primers, out of these 243 bands were polymorphic. The highest number of amplified products was observed in primers OPJ-19, OPM-02, OPN-02, OPN-05, OPN-16, OPN-18 and OPC-10 showed a lowest level of the polymorphic band. The similarity coefficient values were ranged from 0.58 to 0.74. The highest value similarity coefficient was found between the progenies of CPTs selected in Vazhachal and Kulathupuzha and the lowest values found between Vazhachal and Rosemala. Geographically closely related Gmelina accessions were also found to be related at the molecular level. A sizeable amount of inter-population diversity recorded, the Vazhachal and Rosemala accessions can be used as a parent in the Gmelina breeding program for improving productivity and wood quality.