Application of RAPD for molecular characterization of plant species of medicinal value from an arid environment

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The use of highly discriminatory methods for the identification and characterization of genotypes is essential for plant protection and appropriate use. We utilized the RAPD method for the genetic fingerprinting of 11 plant species of desert origin (seven with known medicinal value). Andrachne telephioides, Zilla spinosa, Caylusea hexagyna, Achillea fragrantissima, Lycium shawii, Moricandia sinaica, Rumex vesicarius, Bassia eriophora, Zygophyllum propinquum subsp migahidii, Withania somnifera, and Sonchus oleraceus were collected from various areas of Saudi Arabia. The five primers used were able to amplify the DNA from all the plant species. The amplified products of the RAPD profiles ranged from 307 to 1772 bp. A total of 164 bands were observed for 11 plant species, using five primers. The number of well-defined and major bands for a single plant species for a single primer ranged from 1 to 10. The highest pair-wise similarities (0.32) were observed between A. fragrantissima and L. shawii, when five primers were combined. The lowest similarities (0) were observed between A. telephioides and Z. spinosa; Z. spinosa and B. eriophora; B. eriophora and Z. propinquum. In conclusion, the RAPD method successfully discriminates among all the plant species, therefore providing an easy and rapid tool for identification, conservation and sustainable use of these plants.

DNA barcoding of arid wild plants using rbcL gene sequences

“…However, whether rbcL exhibits sufficient variation to allow general identification of wild plants grown in arid environments below genus level remains unexplored. In continuation of our previous study on the PCR success rate (Bafeel et al, 2011) and molecular characterization of desert medicinal plants (Arif et al, 2010), we evaluated the barcoding performance of rbcL for the identification of Saudi Arabian wild plants and demonstrated genus-and species-level discriminations using this marker.…”

Genetic differentiation and antioxidant activities ofBouea macrophyllaGriffith in Nakhon Nayok province

“…This tool provides low cost, convenient, rapid and simplicity (Weder 2002;Suwanchaikasem et al 2012). It has been used to distinguish and identify genotypes in several plant species (Arif et al 2010;Thummajitasakul et al 2014).…”

Using ITS2 PCR‐RFLP to generate molecular markers for authentication of Sophora flavescens Ait.

“…DNA molecular markers have been used for authentication of plant species of medicinal importance 8, 9. A variety of DNA‐based markers such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP),10 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)11, 12 and microsatellite loci13 are explored to identify various medicinal plant species. RFLP is highly polymorphic, co‐dominantly inherited and highly reproducible, but it is time‐consuming, involves expensive reagents and requires a large quantity of high‐quality genomic DNA 14.…”