Abstract

Characterization and cluster analysis of some indigenous and exotic mulberry collections based on random DNA marker assay

Author(s): Guruprasad, S.B.Dandin

Groups of mulberry (Morus spp.) germplasm were selected from the field gene bank of Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute,Mysore based on accessions having identical names and similar origin or descent. These germplasmwere characterized using DNAmarker technology with intent of assessing the genetic identity of accessions and diversity available in the collection. RAPD fingerprinting using 23 informative primers generated 294 polymorphic markers out of the total of 332 markers. As many as 6 primers showed 100% marker polymorphism indicating high genetic variability among the germplasm. Dice similarity based on the DNA markers revealed coefficient value ranging from 1.000 (perfect match) to 0.624 (divergent). Clustering by un-weighted group method of arithmetic averages resolved in to 10 groupswith cluster I comprising largest number of germplasm (10 Nos.). Even though few germplasm showed closer genetic relationship, all the accessions were considered unique except the pair S-796 and S-1096. The pairwas assigned as genetically redundant and hence to be treated as duplicate accessions by the gene bank curators. The study explains the possibility of using the outcome in context of developing a core sub-set of mulberry germplasm. The core subset will be rationalized collection which can be used by the mulberry breeders for indepth evaluation for novel genes and traits. A smaller collections having all the alleles will be more attractive to breeders in crop improvement programs.