Genetic Diversity in Various Accessions of Pineapple [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ananas comosus</Emphasis> (L.) Merr.] Using ISSR and SSR Markers

Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 36 pineapple accessions that were introduced from 10 countries/regions. Thirteen ISSR primers amplified 96 bands, of which 91 (93.65%) were polymorphic, whereas 20 SSR primers amplified 73 bands, of which 70 (96.50%) were polymorphic. Nei’s gene diversity (h = 0.28), Shannon’s information index (I = 0.43), and polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.29) generated using the SSR primers were higher than that with ISSR primers (h =  0.23, I = 0.37, PIC = 0.24), thereby suggesting that the SSR system is more efficient than the ISSR system in assessing genetic diversity in various pineapple accessions. Mean genetic similarities were 0.74, 0.61, and 0.69, as determined using ISSR, SSR, and combined ISSR/SSR, respectively. These results suggest that the genetic diversity among pineapple accessions is very high. We clustered the 36 pineapple accessions into three or five groups on the basis of the phylogenetic trees constructed based on the results of ISSR, SSR, and combined ISSR/SSR analyses using the unweighted pair-group with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) method. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) also supported the UPGMA clustering. These results will be useful not only for the scientific conservation and management of pineapple germplasm but also for the improvement of the current pineapple breeding strategies.     

Genetic diversity and population structure detection in sponge gourd ( Luffa cylindrica ) using ISSR,SCoT and morphological markers

Investigation of genetic diversity is essential for the selection of parents for crop breeding and conservation of genetic resources. To estimate the genetic variability and population structure in the midst of 45 accessions of sponge gourd brought together from different geographical areas of India, morphological traits and two molecular markers, ISSR and SCoT markers were compared. Principal components analysis of 20 morphological traits showed 72.70% variability and significant positive correlations between fruit traits. All three marker techniques clustered all accessions into two groups with few outgroups. High level of polymorphism was observed among ISSR (74.6%) and SCoT (71.5%) primers. The Bayesian model revealed the hidden grouping and showed admixture type of population. The diversity pattern is influenced by genetic marker used, as different molecular markers have different polymorphism evaluation efficiency. This study can be helpful in amplifying the genetic base and selection of specific traits for breeding. Thus, ISSR and SCoT markers are potential marker for identification in sponge gourd and provide valuable data on its genetic correlation and structure.     

Evaluation of genetic diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clinacanthus nutans</Emphasis> (Acanthaceaea) using RAPD,ISSR and RAMP markers

Three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were compared to analyse the genetic diversity of Clinacanthus nutans eight populations in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. The PCR techniques were random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acids (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and random amplified microsatellite polymorphisms (RAMP). Leaf genomic DNA was PCR amplified using 17 RAPD, 8 ISSR and 136 RAMP primers . However, only 10 RAPD primers, 5 ISSR primers and 37 RAMP primers produced reproducible bands. The results were evaluated for polymorphic information content (PIC), marker index (MI) and resolving power (RP). The RAMP marker was the most useful marker compared to RAPD and ISSR markers because it showed the highest average value of PIC (0.25), MI (11.36) and RP (2.86). The genetic diversity showed a high percentage of polymorphism at the species level compared to the population level. Furthermore, analysis of molecular variance revealed that the genetic diversity was higher within populations, as compared to among populations of C. nutans. From the results, the RAMP technique was recommended for the analysis of genetic diversity of C. nutans.     

Assessment of genetic diversity in Ethiopian cowpea [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna unguiculata</Emphasis> (L.) Walp.] germplasm using simple sequence repeat markers

The genetic diversity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in Ethiopia was analyzed using 19 uniform accessions, 62 variable accessions (yielding 185 sub-types), and two mungbean (Vigna radiata) accessions (four subtypes) as outgroup. A set of 23 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was identified, and polymorphism in the various accessions was scored by determining amplicon variability. Allele frequency, genetic diversity, and polymorphism information content (PIC) were determined for each SSR marker, and a neighbor joining dendrogram was generated to show the genetic relationship among the individual accessions. A total of 75 allelic variants was defined, with the average number of alleles per locus calculated to be three. The average genetic diversity (D) was 0.47, and PIC was 0.4. Three main clusters were identified by phylogenetic analysis, and the clusters and sub-grouping were supported by STRUCTURE and principal component analysis. This grouping had a moderate fixation index value of 0.075 and gene flow (Nm) of 3.176, indicating that the accessions possess wide diversity within individuals and populations. The accessions showed no clustering by geographical origins. Three well-characterized molecular markers (SSR1, C42-2B, and 61RM2) for race specific resistance to Striga gesnerioides in the cowpea cultivar B301 were used to evaluate the accessions for their potential for use in genetic improvement against this pest. Based on this analysis, only two accessions, 222890–2 from Gambela and 286–2 from the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) region, were found to cluster with B301 and contain the SSR1 resistance allele. These findings will assist in germplasm conservation efforts by the Institute of Biodiversity and Conservation of Ethiopia, and contribute to future studies aimed at the genetic improvement of local germplasm for improved overall agronomic performance as well as Striga resistance in particular.     

Neutral and functional marker based genetic diversity in kodo millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paspalum scrobiculatum</Emphasis> L.)

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is known for its high nutritive value, dietary fiber, antioxidant activity, as well as for drought tolerance. It is primarily grown as a grain in India and in Africa it is either cultivated or harvested in wild. Neutral—ISSR (inter simple sequence repeat) as well as functional—SCoT (start codon targeted) and SRAP (sequence-related amplified polymorphism) markers were employed for genetic diversity studies in 96 accessions of kodo millet collected from diverse regions of India. The genetic diversity parameters like average bands per primer, Polymorphic information content, Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon’s information index of 11.22, 9.69; 0.12, 0.11; 0.15 ± 0.14, 0.13 ± 0.13 and 0.26 ± 0.21, 0.22 ± 0.19 was observed with neutral and functional markers respectively. Neutral markers were showing higher values as compared to functional markers for the genetic diversity parameters as discussed. Structure based analysis placed all the accessions into four sub-groups not strictly according to their geographical locations. The accessions from Bihar followed by Karnataka were showing high diversity based on both the marker systems useful for designing exploration, conservation and germplasm enrichment strategies. Further, the set of diverse accessions selected based on these markers would serve as potential sources of unique alleles and may be exploited in future for enhancement and utilization of kodo millet germplasm. Usage of African gene pool and wild species for broadening the genetic base of Indian kodo millet was also suggested based on the present studies.     

RAPD和ISSR标记对水稻化感种质资源遗传多态性的分析

运用RAPD和ISSR技术分析水稻化感种质资源的遗传多态性。从供试材料中筛选到具有多态性的RAPD引物12条,ISSR引物7条。RAPD引物共扩增到85条清晰的多态性条带,多态性条带比率为69．4％。ISSR引物共扩增到34条清晰的多态性条带,多态性条带比率为53．0％。对两种标记结果进行UPGMA聚类分析,结果极其类似,呈极显著的正相关(r=0．74)。聚类结果表明,地理位置相近的品种聚为一类。部分具有较强化感作用潜力的水稻品种亲缘关系很近,表明控制其化感作用性状的基因可能是等位的相同基因。而部分化感作用潜力差异显著的水稻品种聚为一类,这是由于人类在长期高产品种的定向选择过程中,水稻化感作用性状不被注意而丢失,遗传基础日益狭窄的原因。     

Targeted Metabolic and Genomic Profiling Reveals Parents for L-Dopa Breeding in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna pruriens</Emphasis> (L.) DC.

Integrating targeted metabolic profiling with genetic diversity estimates is vital for selecting genetic stocks for breeding as well as mapping a biochemical trait. In Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., copious amount of L-Dopa in seeds is viewed both as a boon and bane. Our objective of this work was to assess in conjunction both L-Dopa and genomic diversity in a selected set of germplasm to elucidate their relationship and identify parents for L-Dopa breeding/mapping. The findings revealed good genetic as well as metabolic (L-Dopa) diversity among the studied accessions. However, we could not establish direct relationship between these two as the marker data measured using AFLP and ISSR were not correlated with the seed L-Dopa contents. Based on the consensus information from both the data sets, seven parental combinations have been suggested. These findings are expected to pave way for genetic improvement as well as genetic mapping of L-Dopa trait besides integration of molecular markers in M. pruriens breeding programs.     

Easy strategy used to detect the genetic variability in chickpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer arietinum</Emphasis> L.)

A priority in the management and use of elite plant materials for breeding has been based on molecular markers or DNA sequencing of entire genomes, in order to perform genetic differentiation which is still quite costly. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the species with genomic monotony and very low polymorphism, and its detection even with DNA markers has not been easy. In germplasm banks, the genetic distinction is a priority in order to use properly selected lines. In this study, 57 chickpea accessions from a germplasm bank were analyzed by using nrRAMP (non-radioactive Random Amplified Microsatellite Polymorphism) markers, and their genetic variability was determined. Our results showed DNA polymorphisms, which are enough to differentiate between the accessions and between C. arietinum and Cicer reticulatum (out-group); this last wild species is closely related to chickpea. We concluded that the nrRAMP technique was an effective and a highly useful method to assess the genetic diversity and variability among closely related plants, such as chickpea; in addition, this technique can be easily implemented in laboratories.     

Analysis of DNA polymorphism in a relict Uralian species,large-flowered foxglove (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Digitalis grandiflora</Emphasis> Mill.), using RAPD and ISSR markers

Genetic polymorphism of the Uralian relict plant species, large-flowered foxglove Digitalis grandiflora Mill. (family Scrophulariaceae), was examined using RAPD and ISSR techniques. A total of 149 RAPD and 74ISSR markers were tested. The indices characterizing polymorphism and genetic diversity were calculated. The data obtained pointed to a high level of genetic variation of D. grandiflora (P ₉₅ = 65%). The cenopopulation examined was weakly differentiated with most of genetic diversity accounted by within-population differentiation.     

Assessment of genetic diversity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna</Emphasis> species of India using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and inter simple sequence repeat markers

Genus Mucuna which is native to China and Eastern India comprises of perennial climbing legume with long slender branches, trifoliate leaves and bear green or brown pod covered with soft or rigid hairs that cause intense irritation. The plants of this genus are agronomically and economically important and commercially cultivated in India, China and other regions of the world. The high degrees of taxonomical confusions exist in Mucuna species that make authentic identification and classification difficult. In the present study, the genetic diversity among the 59 accessions of six species and three varieties of M. pruriens has been assessed using DNA fingerprinting based molecular markers techniques namely randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and combined dataset of RAPD and ISSR. Also, genetic relationship among two endemic species of Mucuna namely M. imbricata and M. macrocarpa and two varieties namely IIHR hybrid (MHR) and Dhanwantari (MD) with other species under study was investigated by using cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis. The cluster analysis of RAPD, ISSR and combined dataset of RAPD and ISSR clearly demonstrated the existence of high interspecific variation than intra-specific variation in genus Mucuna. The utility and efficacy of RAPD and ISSR for the study of intra species and interspecies genetic diversity was evident from AMOVA and PCoA analysis. This study demonstrates the genetic diversity in Mucuna species and indicates that these markers could be successfully used to assess genetic variation among the accessions of Mucuna species.     

Evaluation of genetic diversity amongst <Emphasis Type="Italic">Descurainia sophia</Emphasis> L. genotypes by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker

Descurainia sophia is a valuable medicinal plant in family of Brassicaceae. To determine the range of diversity amongst D. sophia in Iran, 32 naturally distributed plants belonging to six natural populations of the Iranian plateau were investigated by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The average percentage of polymorphism produced by 12 ISSR primers was 86 %. The PIC values for primers ranged from 0.22 to 0.40 and Rp values ranged between 6.5 and 19.9. The relative genetic diversity of the populations was not high (Gst =0.32). However, the value of gene flow revealed by the ISSR marker was high (Nm = 1.03). UPGMA clustering method based on Jaccard similarity coefficient grouped the genotypes into two major clusters. Graph results from Neighbor-Net Network generated after a 1000 bootstrap test using Jaccard coefficient, and STRUCTURE analysis confirmed the UPGMA clustering. The first three PCAs represented 57.31 % of the total variation. The high levels of genetic diversity were observed within populations, which is useful in breeding and conservation programs. ISSR is found to be an eligible marker to study genetic diversity of D. sophia.     

Genetic diversity analysis in sorghum germplasm as estimated by AFLP, SSR and morpho-agronomical markers

A comparison of the different methods of the estimation of genetic diversity is important to evaluate their utility as a tool in germplasm conservation and plant breeding. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), microsatellites or SSR and morphological traits markers were used to evaluate 45 sorghum germplasm for genetic diversity assessment and discrimination power. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) values were 0.65 (AFLPs) and 0.46 (SSRs). The average pairwise genetic distance estimates were 0.57 (morphological traits), 0.62 (AFLPs) and 0.60 (SSRs) markers data sets. The Shannon diversity index was higher for morphological traits (0.678) than AFLP (0.487) and SSR (0.539). The correlation coefficients obtained by the Mantel matrix correspondence test, which was used to compare the cophenetic matrices for the different markers, showed that estimated values of genetic relationship given for AFLP and SSR markers, as well as for morphological and SSR markers were significantly related (p <0.001). However, morphological and AFLP data showed non-significant correlation (p >0.05). Both data sets from AFLP and SSR allowed all accessions to be uniquely identified; two accessions could not be distinguished by the morphological data. In summary, AFLP and SSR markers proved to be efficient tools in assessing the genetic variability among sorghum genotypes. The patterns of variation appeared to be consistent for the three marker systems, and they can be used for designing breeding programmes, conservation of germplasm and management of sorghum genetic resources.     

Comparison of ISSR,IRAP and REMAP markers for assessing genetic diversity in different species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis> sp.

Molecular markers provide facilities in order to study genetic diversity and relationship among genotypes. In this study, genetic diversity among 35 genotype of Brassica sp. (belonging B. napus, B. juncea, B. rapa, B. nigra) were determined using 13 ISSR, 3 IRAP markers and 18 REMAP (primer combinations of ISSR and retrotransposon primer). The percentage of polymorphism for ISSR, IRAP and REMAP was 96.38, 94 and 96%, respectively. By comparison between markers, ISSRs indicated the highest expected heterozygosity (He) and Shannon’s information index (I) with value of 0.34 and 0.51, respectively, while REMAP marker had by far the highest number of polymorphic bands (340) and marker index (7.1) among all fragments scored over all markers. In pattern of clustering based on Bayesian methods, K = 8 was resulted for combined data clustering that was more organized clustering for genotypes compared to others. This research suggests the combined data of ISSR, IRAP and REMAP markers are most reliable than each solely marker whilst have been clustered genotypes in their taxonomic classification of Brassica without any mixture. Principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) separated 35 genotypes in four groups which all of genotypes were clustered correctly based on their taxonomic classification. The findings of this study provide the valuable insight into the Brassica species relationships in terms of similarity among genotypes which can be helpful in breeding programs, and also demonstrate that retrotransposon markers are legible for genetic diversity and next genetic analysis in Brassica genus.     

Evaluation of genetic relationships in the genus Houttuynia Thunb. in China based on RAPD and ISSR markers

The genetic relationships among 70 accessions of Houttuynia Thunb. from Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Jiangsu provinces in China were tested using RAPD and ISSR markers. The results showed that the polymorphism of Houttuynia germplasm was high at the DNA level. ISSR markers are more efficient than RAPD markers at uncovering the polymorphism of the genus Houttuynia. The genetic variation between the cultivated and the wild Houttuynia cordata accessions was insignificant according to RAPD and ISSR markers. The results of cluster analysis by using UPGMA method showed that the groups based on ISSR GS was correlated with chromosome numbers and many accessions with the same chromosome numbers could be classified together. Analysis based on RAPD GS was more related to geographic distribution. Furthermore, the cluster analysis based on RAPD and ISSR markers also showed that the genetic diversity in mountainous and margin areas of Sichuan Basin was more plentiful than that at the bottom of the Basin and its surrounding highlands or hills. Houttuynia emeiensis accession could not be separated completely from H. cordata accessions, it was closely related to H. cordata cytotype A with the chromosome number of 36. Within H. cordata, the genetic similarities between each pair of cytotypes C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and L were higher, but the genetic similarities between each of them to the cytotype A were relatively lower. The phylogeny of the germplasm resources of the genus Houttuynia was also discussed.     

Genetic Relationships Among Wild and Cultivated Accessions of Curry Leaf Plant (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.), as Revealed by DNA Fingerprinting Methods

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (Rutaceae), is an aromatic plant and much valued for its flavor, nutritive and medicinal properties. In this study, three DNA fingerprinting methods viz., random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD), and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), were used to unravel the genetic variability and relationships across 92 wild and cultivated M. koenigii accessions. A total of 310, 102, and 184, DNA fragments were amplified using 20 RAPD, 5 DAMD, and 13 ISSR primers, revealing 95.80, 96.07, and 96.73% polymorphism, respectively, across all accessions. The average polymorphic information content value obtained with RAPD, DAMD, and ISSR markers was 0.244, 0.250, and 0.281, respectively. The UPGMA tree, based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient generated from the cumulative (RAPD, DAMD, and ISSR) band data showed two distinct clusters, clearly separating wild and cultivated accessions in the dendrogram. Percentage polymorphism, gene diversity (H), and Shannon information index (I) estimates were higher in cultivated accessions compared to wild accessions. The overall high level of polymorphism and varied range of genetic distances revealed a wide genetic base in M. koenigii accessions. The study suggests that RAPD, DAMD, and ISSR markers are highly useful to unravel the genetic variability in wild and cultivated accessions of M. koenigii.     

AFLP,RAPD, and ISSR analysis of intraspecific polymorphism and interspecific differences of allotetraploid species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops kotschyi</Emphasis> Boiss. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops variabilis</Emphasis> Eig

To evaluate genetic variation, 27 accessions of allotetraploid species Aegilops kotschyi and Ae. variabilis with the US genome were analyzed using the AFLP, RAPD, and ISSR methods. A total of 316 polymorphic RAPD fragments, 750 polymorphic AFLP fragments, and 234 polymorphic ISSR fragments were obtained. It was demonstrated that the analyzed species were characterized by a considerable level of nuclear genome variation. According to the data of ISSR and RAPD analysis, the average value of the Jaccard similarity coefficient for the accessions of Ae. variabilis from different geographical regions was slightly lower than that for the accessions of Ae. kotschyi. At the same time, AFLP analysis showed no considerable differences in the levels of intraspecific variation of the studied species. Analysis of the summarized RAPD, ISSR, and AFLP marking data in the Structure software program showed that most of the analyzed accessions with high degree of probability could be assigned to one of two groups, the first of which corresponded to Ae. kotschyi and the second corresponded to Ae. variabilis, thereby confirming the species independence of Ae. kotschyi and Ae. variabilis. Accessions k900, k907, k908, and v90 could not with a sufficiently high degree of probability be assigned to one of the species, which possibly was the result of interspecific hybridization. Analysis of the species diversity using different molecular markers made it possible to identify the accessions that were notably different from other accessions of its species.     

Molecular diversity and genetic relationships in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Secale</Emphasis>

The objective of this study was to quantify the molecular diversity and to determine the genetic relationships among Secale spp. and among cultivars of Secale cereale using RAPDs, ISSRs and sequence analysis of six exons of ScMATE1 gene. Thirteen ryes (cultivated and wild) were genotyped using 21 RAPD and 16 ISSR primers. A total of 435 markers (242 RAPDs and 193 ISSRs) were obtained, with 293 being polymorphic (146 RAPDs and 147 ISSRs). Two RAPD and nine ISSR primers generated more than 80% of polymorphism. The ISSR markers were more polymorphic and informative than RAPDs. Further, 69% of the ISSR primers selected achieved at least 70% of DNA polymorphism. The study of six exons of the ScMATE1 gene also demonstrated a high genetic variability that subsists in Secale genus. One difference observed in exon 1 sequences from S. vavilovii seems to be correlated with Al sensitivity in this species. The genetic relationships obtained using RAPDs, ISSRs and exons of ScMATE1 gene were similar. S. ancestrale, S. kuprijanovii and S. cereale were grouped in the same cluster and S. segetale was in another cluster. S. vavilovii showed evidences of not being clearly an isolate species and having great intraspecific differences.     

Natural population structure and genetic differentiation for heterodicogamous plant: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyclocarya paliurus</Emphasis> (Batal.) Iljinskaja (Juglandaceae)

Cyclocarya paliurus, a Chinese monotypic genus belonging to the Juglandaceae, exhibits a widespread distribution in southern China. To provide resource support for its future breeding and medicinal utilization, much information involving natural population succession and genetic diversity of C. paliurus should be obtained. In this study, the structures of 30 natural populations throughout its distribution were analyzed based on the investigation, showing the ratio of individuals with DBH < 40 cm accounting for 71.7%. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) were used for evaluation of 244 individuals from 29 natural populations. High-level polymorphism (100%) indicates high efficiency of two markers. Analysis demonstrated that genetic diversity (value of 0.18 for ISSR and 0.09 for SSR) was low among populations. While gene flow among populations reached 1.182 and 1.335 for ISSR and SSR, respectively, indicating genetic variations mainly existing within population. Twenty-six populations (size ≥5 individuals) were grouped into five clusters based on the combined ISSR and SSR loci. The value of Nei’s coefficient varying from 0.87 to 0.96 indicates small differentiation among groups. Furthermore, we speculate that C. paliurus is an expanding species in subtropical China (most of populations are increasing type (IP)) and discuss the strategy of germplasm conservation.     

Efficiency of ISSR and RAPD markers in genetic divergence analysis and conservation management of Justicia adhatoda L., a medicinal plant

Genetic variation within and among population is the basis for survival of the population both in short and long term. Thus, studying the plant genetic diversity is essential for any conservation program. Indigenous medicinal plants like Justicia adhatoda L. which are facing high rate of depletion from the wild population need immediate attention. DNA-based dominant molecular marker techniques, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) were used to unravel the genetic variability and relationships across thirty-two wild accessions of J. adhatoda L., a valuable medicinal shrub widespread throughout the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Amplification of genomic DNA using 38 primers (18 RAPD and 20 ISSR) yielded 434 products, of which 404 products were polymorphic revealing 93.11 % polymorphism. The average polymorphic information content value obtained with RAPD and ISSR markers was 0.25 and 0.24, respectively. Marker index (RAPD = 3.94; ISSR = 3.53) and resolving power (RAPD = 4.24; ISSR = 3.94) indicate that the RAPD markers were relatively more efficient than the ISSR assay revealing the genetic diversity of J. adhatoda. The Shannon diversity index obtained with RAPD and ISSR markers was 0.40 and 0.38, respectively. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.26 to 0.89, 0.33 to 0.93 and 0.31 to 0.90 with RAPD, ISSR and combined UPGMA dendrogram, respectively. PCA derived on the basis of pooled data of both the markers illustrated that the first three principal coordinate components accounted 79.27 % of the genetic similarity variance. The mantel test between two Jaccard’s similarity matrices gave r = 0.901, showing the fit correlation between ISSR- and RAPD-based similarities. Based on the results, ex-situ methods may be the most suitable and efficient measure for long-term conservation.     

Genetic divergence and allelic-specificity in relation to expression of voltinism in silkworm using ISSR and RAPD fingerprinting

The silkworm B. mori is a multicellular organism revealing genetic resources which makes an ideal model for lepidoptera for the present investigation. With the objective of targeting distinctive markers for utilization in future breeding programmes, Bivoltine and Polyvoltine silkworm strains were used by inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic-DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting to detect their genetic versatility and volatility. Six ISSR primers generated 99 markers, of which 76.76% were found to be polymorphic with an average number of observed alleles (N _a) (1.86 ± 0.40), an effective number of alleles (N _e) (1.43 ± 0.30) as well as six RAPD primers that produced a total of 95 bands, developing 61.05% polymorphism with N _a (1.93 ± 0.51) and N _e (1.18 ± 0.30). The dendrogram produced by UPGMA analysis, based on Dice’s coefficient, clustered four races into two major groups which accurately segregated them according to their inheritance of voltinism. In this research, the ISSR markers were more accurate than the RAPD markers and ISSR also displayed better polymorphism. The outcome showed that the bivoltine strains exhibited higher allelic expressions with ISSR primers when compared to the polyvoltine strains. Despite exhibiting their unique race by certain DNA markers, most of the primers represented voltinism-specificity. Hence molecular marker amplification is a beneficial approach to reveal genetic divergence among closely related strains, and molecular characterization of phylogenetic relationships in addressing evolutionary evidences of individuals.