Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Relationships in Mulberry Varieties Using Rapd and Issr Molecular Markers

Abstract

Abstract-Studies on genetic diversity and relationships between twenty different varieties of mulberry were assayed with selected RAPD and ISSR genetic markers. In the present investigation, the selected mulberry varieties were amplified with 16 RAPD and 8 ISSR primers. The results showed 70 reproducible bands out of which, 61 were polymorphic accounting 81.3% polymorphism with RAPD primers. In contrast, 43 polymorphic bands were generated by ISSR primers out of which 42 were polymorphic bands with 97.6% polymorphism. The primers used in the present study generated unique banding pattern in all the test varieties and most of the varieties exhibited unique molecular genotype. Population genetic structure analysis of these varieties also revealed high genetic differentiation coefficient (GST), heterozygosity among populations (Ht) and low gene flow (Nm). The dendrogram was generated using Ward's Euclidean distance and UPGMA methods. Based on the number of RAPD and ISSR bands, the mulberry varieties were grouped into 5 clusters. Among these, 5th cluster was paired with other varieties. Based on the results obtained on cluster analyses, it is formulated that, 3 varieties of mulberry were considered as one group, whereas other 4 clusters may be included under separate group.