R-ISSR as a new tool for genomic fingerprinting, mapping, and gene tagging

In the present study we propose and test the concept of R-ISSR, a new tool for genomic fingerprinting, mapping, and gene tagging. The concept is based on the fact that primers for inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis elicit different genomic information, and the combined use of these 2 kinds of primers in the same polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactions might reveal new genomic loci that could not be detected with either technique alone. The feasibility of this tool was first electronically simulated with sequence analysis software andArabidopsis chromosome sequence. Next, different combinations of ISSR and RAPD primers were applied in real PCR reactions to detect new genomic loci in 2 maize lines (Q319 and 1145). Sequencing gels were used to separate PCR products and showed good resolving ability in comparison with agarose gels. RAPD primers could be successfully used with ISSR primers for the detection of new genomic loci and applied in a new way for genomic mapping, fingerprinting, and gene tagging.     

R-ISSR-for fingerprinting, mapping and identification of new genomic loci in rye (Secale cereale L.)

The results of the research confirming the possibility of applying various combinations of RAPD and ISSR primers in one multiplex PCR and the generation of a new type of R-ISSR products for the rye genome were presented in this work. The following was applied in the research: five rye genotypes including two inbred lines (153/79-1 and Ot1-3), hybrid F₁ and two bulks (tolerant and susceptible) formed from recombinant inbred lines—RILs (F₉) varying in the response to abiotic stress caused by nutrient deficiencies at the seedling stage. While evaluating the possibility of applying R-ISSR to the assessment of the rye variability, five of its genotypes were amplified separately with the RAPD and ISSR primers in each PCR reaction. These primers were combined in R-ISSR amplifications. The products of RAPD, ISSR and R-ISSR amplification were separated in 1.5% agarose gel. 32 R-ISSR combinations were examined, combining 20 and 8 selected RAPD and ISSR primers, respectively. 658 loci were amplified, including 230 RAPD, 180 ISSR and 271 R-ISSR, including 157 new loci. Over 91 loci were found, with an identical electrophoretic mobility for three methods. It was shown that R-ISSR products with electrophoretic mobility on agarose gels, identical to the co-migrating RAPD or ISSR, are not products of RAPD or ISSR, but they possess sequences of heteroamplicons—R-ISSR. The occurrence of sequences of primers used to R-ISSR was demonstrated while sequencing seven selected products of the above type. The ISSR primers with a low T _m were proven to generate repeatable fingerprints in the thermal profile of the reaction specific for RAPD and combined with the RAPD primer—repeatable R-ISSR profiles. A similar range of variability as described in RAPD or ISSR was observed in the R-ISSR profiles. The correlation coefficient between genetic similarity matrices for five rye genotypes, calculated with the Mantel test, amounted to r _AB.C = 0.870.     

A comparative analysis of genetic diversity in blackgram genotypes using RAPD and ISSR markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to study the DNA polymorphism in elite blackgram genotypes. A total of 25 random and 16 ISSR primers were used. Amplification of genomic DNA of the 18 genotypes, using RAPD analysis, yielded 104 fragments that could be scored, of which 44 were polymorphic, with an average of 1.8 polymorphic fragments per primer. Number of amplified fragments with random primers ranged from two (OPA-13) to nine (OPK-4) and varied in size from 200 bp to 2,500 bp. Percentage polymorphism ranged from 16.6% (OPK-7) to a maximum of 66.6% (OPE-5, OPH-2, and OPK-8), with an average of 42.7%. The 16 ISSR primers used in the study produced 101 bands across 18 genotypes, of which 55 were polymorphic. The number of amplified bands varied from two (ISSR 858) to ten (ISSR 810), with a size range of 200–2,200 bp. The average numbers of bands per primer and polymorphic bands per primer were 6.3 and 3.4, respectively. Percentage polymorphism ranged from 25% (ISSR 885) to 100% (ISSR 858), with an average percentage polymorphism of 57.5% across all the genotypes. The 3-anchored primers based on poly(GA) and poly(AG) motifs produced high average polymorphisms of 54.98% and 58.32%, respectively. ISSR markers were more efficient than the RAPD assay, as they detected 57.4% polymorphic DNA markers in Vigna mungo as compared to 42.7% for RAPD markers. The Mantel test between the two Jaccards similarity matrices gave r =0.32, showing low correlation between RAPD- and ISSR-based similarities. Clustering of genotypes within groups was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrogram were compared, whereas the pattern of clustering of the genotypes remained more or less the same in ISSR and combined data of RAPD and ISSR.     

Correspondence of ISSR and RAPD markers for comparative analysis of genetic diversity among different apricot genotypes from cold arid deserts of trans-Himalayas

The phylogenetic relationships of 36 locally grown Prunus armeniaca genotypes which are collected from nine sampling sites from two valleys viz. Nubra (9,600 ft) and Leh (11,500 ft) of trans-Himalayan region were analyzed using 31 PCR markers (20 RAPDs and 11 ISSRs). This is the first report of molecular genetic diversity studies in apricot from this region of the world. RAPD analysis yielded 139 fragments, of which 136 were polymorphic, with an average of 6.8 polymorphic fragments per primer. ISSR analysis produced 58 bands, of which 56 were polymorphic, with an average of 5.09 polymorphic fragments per primer. The primers based on (CT)n produced maximum number of bands (nine) while, (AT)n and many other motifs gave no amplification. RAPD markers were found more efficient with regards to polymorphism detection, as they detected 97.84 % as compared to 96.5 % for ISSR markers. Clustering of genotypes within groups was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrogram were compared, whereas the pattern of clustering of the genotypes remained more or less the same in RAPD and combined data of RAPD + ISSR. The results of PCA analysis were comparable to the cluster analysis. These analyses, allowed us to identify the groups corresponding to the two apricot collection sites.Key words: Prunus armeniaca, Apricot, Genetic Diversity, RAPD, ISSR, AMOVA     

A Comparative Analysis of ISSR and RAPD Markers for Study of Genetic Diversity in Shisham (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis>)

Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) is one of the most preferred timber tree species of South Asia. Two DNA-based molecular marker techniques, intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD), were compared to study the genetic diversity in this species. A total of 30 polymorphic primers (15 ISSR and 15 random) were used. Amplification of genomic DNA of 22 genotypes, using ISSR analysis, yielded 117 fragments, of which 64 were polymorphic. Number of amplified fragments with ISSR primers ranged from five to ten and varied in size from 180 to 1,900 bp. Percentage polymorphism ranged from 0 to 87.5. The 15 RAPD primers produced 144 bands across 22 genotypes, of which 84 were polymorphic. The number of amplified bands varied from five to 13, with size range from 180 to 2,400 bp. Percentage polymorphism ranged from 0 to 100, with an average of 58.3 across. RAPD markers were relatively more efficient than the ISSR assay. The mental test between two Jaccard’s similarity matrices gave r ≥ 0.90, showing very good fit correlation in between ISSR- and RAPD-based similarities. Clustering of isolates remained more or less the same in RAPD and combined data of RAPD and ISSR. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.734 to 0.939, 0.563 to 0.946, and 0.648 to 0.920 with ISSR, RAPD, and combined dendrogram, respectively.     

Ascertaining clonal fidelity of micropropagated plants of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees et Arn. ex Munro using molecular markers

Dendrocalamus hamiltonii is a giant, evergreen, clumping, multipurpose bamboo with strong culms which are mainly used for construction, handicrafts and fuel. The tender shoots are also used as food. Overexploitation of existing natural stocks coupled with harvesting of culms before seed formation, a long flowering cycle, irregular and poor seed production, short seed viability, seed sterility, limited availability of offsets and rhizomes and seasonal dependence are some of the major bottlenecks in conventional propagation of this species. Therefore, alternative methods like micropropagation can fill the gap in demand and supply of true-to-type planting material. Recently, our micropropagation protocol for rapid multiplication of D. hamiltonii through axillary bud proliferation using nodal explants from mature culms was standardized, and more than 3,000 plants were transferred to the field. However, somaclonal variations are known to appear in the in vitro-derived clones due to culture-induced stresses. Therefore, the present investigation was conducted to ascertain the effect of the length of in vitro culture age on clonal fidelity of regenerated plants using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The genomic DNA samples (i.e. mother plant, in vitro-raised shoots from the 3rd to 30th passage, and in vitro-raised plants transferred to the field) were subjected to PCR amplification using 90 primer combinations (25 each of RAPD, ISSR and SSR, and 15 AFLP primer combinations) of which 76 (23 RAPD, 24 ISSR, 21 SSR and 8 AFLP) markers showed amplified DNA fragments. The 23 RAPD primers produced 162 distinct amplified DNA fragments from 2 (OPE-5) to 16 (OPE-16) fragments per primer, while 24 ISSR primers produced 181 distinct amplified DNA fragments with an average of 7.5 fragments per primer. The number of bands generated by SSR primers varied from 3 (RM-7 and RM-240) to 14 (RM-44), and the eight combinations of AFLP primers produced 369 distinct and scorable amplified DNA fragments with an average of 46.1 fragments per primer. Appearance of monomorphic bands with all the tested primer combinations confirmed the true-to-type nature of the in vitro clones of D. hamiltonii and hence the suitability of the developed micropropagation protocol for commercial-scale plant production.     

The use of ISSR and RAPD markers for detecting DNA polymorphism,genotype identification and genetic diversity among barley cultivars with known origin

The potential of bulk analyses of RAPD and ISSR-PCR markers for fingerprinting purposes was evaluated using ten RAPD and ten ISSR primers. The phylogenetic relationships of 16 barley cultivars from different countries, and all having a known pedigree, were analysed using 353 PCR markers (125 RAPDs and 228 ISSRs). The band profiles generated were reproducible in spite of the different DNA extractions, PCR techniques, electrophoretic methods and gel scorings used. The RAPD primer S10 and four ISSR primers (811, 820, 835 and 881) were both able to distinguish all cultivars. A strong and quite linear relationship was observed between Resolving Power (Rp) of a primer and its ability to distinguish genotypes. The dendrograms obtained using these two molecular markers are in agreement with their known origin, showing clusters that separate very well the spring/winter and six-rows/two-rows cultivars. Thus, bulk analyses of RAPD and ISSR PCR markers provides a quick, reliable and highly informative system for DNA fingerprinting and also permit to establish genetic relationships which agree with, by other means, known origin of the cultivars.     

PCR-based molecular markers for assessment of somaclonal variation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus pinea</Emphasis> clones micropropagated <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

Four different markers [random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and selective amplified microsatellite polymorphism length (SAMPL)] were applied for evaluating somaclonal variation of micropropagated genotypes of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.). The total number of primers tested was 130, with 223 combinations assayed. A high number of them amplified successfully (178), representing 79.82 % of the total, and the average number of amplified fragments ranged from 2.47 (ISSR) to 65.76 (SAMPL). Based on internal controls, no problem of reproducibility was detected. Almost no somaclonal variation was detected within the clones. Of the tested markers, ISSR, AFLP, and SAMPL showed monomorphic amplification profiles, with only RAPD markers showing some interclonal variation.     

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of RAPD variation among snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes

Ten snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes were screened for polymorphism with 400 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers. Polymorphic RAPDs were scored and classified into three categories based on ethidium bromide staining intensity. An average of 5.19 RAPD bands were scored per primer for the 364 primers that gave scorable amplification products. An average of 2.15 polymorphic RAPDs were detected per primer. The results show that primer screening may reduce the number of RAPD reactions required for the analysis of genetic relationships among snap-bean genotypes by over 60%. Based on the analysis of the distribution of RAPD amplification, the same number of polymorphic RAPDs were amplified from different genotypes for all RAPD band intensity levels. A comparison of RAPD band amplification frequency among genotypes for the three categories of bands classified by amplification strength revealed a measurable difference in the frequencies of RAPDs classified as faint (weakly amplifying) compared to RAPD bands classified as bold (strongly amplifying) indicating a possible scoring error due to the underscoring of faint bands. Correlation analysis showed that RAPD bands amplified by the same primer are not more closely correlated then RAPD bands amplified by different primers but are more highly correlated then expected by chance. Pairwise comparisons of RAPD bands indicate that the distribution of RAPD amplification among genotypes will be a useful criterion for establishing RAPD band identity. For the average pairwise comparison of genotypes, 50% of primers tested and 15.8% of all scored RAPDs detected polymorphism. Based on RAPD data Nei's average gene diversity at a locus was 0.158 based on all scorable RAPD bands and 0.388 if only polymorphic RAPD loci were considered. RAPD-derived 1 relationships among genotypes are reported for the ten genotypes included in this study. The data presented here demonstrate that many informative, polymorphic RAPDs can be found among snap bean cultivars. These RAPDs may be useful for the unique identification of bean varieties, the organization of bean germplasm, and applications of molecular markers to bean breeding.     

Description and analysis of genetic diversity between commercial bean lines (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The effectiveness of RFLP, DAMD-PCR, ISSR and RAPD markers in assessing polymorphism and relationships between 24 commercial lines of Phaseolus vulgaris L.was evaluated. We have used a Phaseolus-specific minisatellite sequence as a probe, which enabled 23 of the bean lines tested to be fingerprinted. Based on the sequence information obtained, primers corresponding to the bean-specific minisatellite core sequence were used in subsequent PCR amplifications. Our observations indicated that while the DAMD-PCR was sensitive in detecting genetic variation between bean species and between accessions of P. vulgaris, when used alone it may be limited in its ability to detect genetic variation among cultivated bean lines due to the low number of loci amplified. Only one out of the five ISSR primers tested was efficient in generating multiple band profiles, which was insufficient to distinguish all the different bean lines. Reproducible RAPD profiles were obtained, and these allowed us to differentiate all the genotypes tested with seven primers. We ultimately used only results from RFLP and RAPD markers to explore the genetic diversity among commercial bean lines. Both analyses led to the same clustering of the bean lines according to their geographical origins (United States or Europe). With respect to the European lines, the results obtained from RAPD data also enable the lines to be clustered according to their creators. Received: 15 January 2000 / Accepted: 21 March 2000     

Evaluation of RAPD, ISSR and AFLP Markers for Characterization of the Loose Smut Fungus Ustilago tritici

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) profiling were evaluated for assessing the extent of genetic variation among the isolates of Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr., which causes the loose smut disease of wheat.Thirty random decamer primers, six random primer pairs, four SSR primers such as (GACA)₄, (GATA)₄, (CAA)₅ and (GTG)₅ and nine combinations of AFLP selective primers were used to characterize nine isolates of the fungus. These isolates were collected from infected earheads of seven commercial wheat cultivars grown at eight different locations in Haryana, which is a major wheat growing state in the North-West Plain Zone of India. The RAPD and ISSR primers generated 21 0 scorable amplified fragments, all of which were monomorphic among the isolates.The AFLP primer combinations generated 239 fragments out of which 193 were polymorphic. All the isolates could be precisely differentiated from each other employing AFLP and grouped into two distinct clusters.The molecular classification partly corresponded with geographic distribution and host origin of the isolates. AFLP profiling was found superior to RAPD and ISSR and can be effectively utilized for further characterization of loose smut pathogen.     

Segregation of random amplified DNA markers in F1 progeny of conifers

Summary The recently developed approach to deriving genetic markers via amplification of random DNA segments with single primers of arbitrary nucleotide sequence was tested for its utility in genetic linkage mapping studies with conifers. Reaction conditions were optimized to reproducibly yield clean and specific amplification products. Template DNA from several genotypes of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and white spruce (Picea glauca) were tested against eight ten-base oligonucleotide primers. Most of the tested primer/parent tree combinations yielded polymorphic PCR products (RAPD markers). Selected primers were then used in PCR reactions with template DNA isolated from offspring in Douglas-fir and black spruce diallel crosses among the same parental lines. The diallel study confirmed the appropriate inheritance of RAPD markers in the F₁ generation. The value of these dominant RAPD markers for genetic linkage mapping in trees was established from both theoretical and applied perspectives.     

An ISSR‐based Approach for the Molecular Detection and Diagnosis of Dwarf Bunt of Wheat,Caused by Tilletia controversa Kühn

Dwarf bunt of wheat, caused by Tilletia controversa Kühn, is an important international quarantine disease in many countries. The objective of this investigation was to develop a diagnostic molecular marker generated from intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) for rapid identification of T. controversa. A total of 60 primers were tested by ISSR to detect DNA polymorphisms between T. controversa and related species. The primer ISSR818 generated a polymorphic pattern displaying a 952‐ bp DNA fragment specific for T. controversa. The marker was converted into a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR), and specific primers (TCKSF2/TCKSR2) were designed for use in a PCR detection assay. Its detection limit was 1 ng of DNA, which could be yielded by 1.1 μg of teliospores in a 25‐ μl PCR. Conclusively, a method to distinguish T. controversa from similar pathogenic fungi has been successfully developed based on the use of a SCAR marker.     

Applicability of inter-simple sequence repeat polymorphisms in wheat for use as DNA markers in comparison to RFLP and RAPD markers

 Inter-simple sequence repeat polymorphic DNA (ISSR) was evaluated for its applicability as a genetic marker system in wheat. PCR was carried out with primers that annealed to simple sequence repeats. The resultant products were subjected to agarose-gel electrophoresis, and the banding patterns were compared among six wheat accessions containing diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid members. Out of 100 examined, 33 primers produced distinguishable as well as polymorphic bands in each of the six accessions. Although most of the primers that gave distinct bands (30 primers out of 33) contained dinucleotide repeats, each of the primers with tri-, tetra-, and penta-nucleotide motifs also yielded discrete bands. Primers based on (AC)_n repeats gave the most polymorphic bands. In total, 224 polymorphic bands were found in the comparison between Einkorn wheats whereas, on the average, 120 polymorphic bands were detected between common wheats. ISSR primers produced several times more information than RAPD markers. The extent of band polymorphism was similar to that of RFLP markers, and greater than that of RAPDs. The genetic relationships of wheat accessions estimated by the polymorphism of ISSR markers were identical with those inferred by RFLP and RAPD markers, indicating the reliability of ISSR markers for estimation of genotypes. These polymorphic bands are potential candidates as novel markers for use in linkage-map construction in wheat. The characteristic features of ISSR markers, i.e. polymorphism, generation of information and ease of handling, suggest their applicability to the analysis of genotypes as well as to the construction of PCR-based genome maps of wheats. Received: 15 September 1996 / Accepted: 25 October 1996     

Identification of RAPD and ISSR markers for drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Drought tolerance is the essential trait that needs to be incorporated in cereal crops, particularly those grown under the rainfed cultivation. Drought tolerance being contributed by several regions of the genome requires identification of these regions, using suitable molecular markers. Therefore, present investigation was aimed at analyzing the genetic diversity present among the cultivars of rainfed and the irrigated areas with respect to the drought tolerant trait. In all, 14 RAPD and 90 ISSR markers were used to identify these genomic regions. Out of 14 RAPD markers, one RAPD primer exhibited polymorphic banding pattern with 18.6 % polymorphism, clearly separating drought tolerant and drought susceptible genotypes. Out of 90 ISSR primers, only 3 ISSR primers revealed polymorphism in relation to the drought tolerance trait exhibiting 21.38 % polymorphism.     

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.     

Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) as Detected by RAPD and ISSR Markers

Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to detect the DNA polymorphism among thirty Napier grass collections of wide geographical distribution. A total of 20 RAPD and 10 ISSR primers were used in this study. RAPD analysis produced 222 fragments of which, 195 were polymorphic with an average of 9.75 polymorphic fragments per primer. The ten ISSR primers produced a total of 98 fragments out of which 88 were polymorphic accounting for 89.8%. The Mantel test between two similarity matrices of the markers revealed a low correlation (r = 0.33) indicating low correspondence between polymorphism brought out by the two marker systems. The UPGMA clustering of genotypes eventhough was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrograms were compared, but showed a greater correspondence with geographical identity in both the marker systems employed. This correspondence was also evident when data from both the RAPD and ISSR markers were combined. The implications on collection and breeding of this important forage grass had been discussed.     

Comparison of RAPD and ISSR markers for assessment of genetic diversity among endangered rare Dalbergia oliveri (Fabaceae) genotypes in Vietnam

Dalbergia oliveri is a leguminous tree of the Fabaceae family. This species is popular and valuable in Vietnam and is currently listed on the Vietnam Red List and on the IUCN Red List as endangered. Two PCR techniques using RAPD and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to make a comparative analysis of genetic diversity in this species. Fifty-six polymorphic primers (29 RAPD and 27 ISSR) were used. The RAPD primers produced 63 bands across 35 genotypes, of which 24 were polymorphic. The number of amplified bands varied from one to four, with a size range from 250 to 1400 bp. The percentage polymorphism ranged from 0 to 75. Amplification of genomic DNA of the 35 genotypes, using ISSR analysis, yielded 104 fragments, of which 63 were polymorphic. The number of amplified fragments using ISSR primers ranged from one to nine and varied in size from 250 to 1500 bp. The percentage polymorphism ranged from 0 to 100. ISSR markers were relatively more efficient than RAPDs. The mental test between two Jaccard's similarity matrices gave r ≥0.802, showing good fit correlation between ISSRs and RAPDs. Clustering of isolates remained more or less the same for RAPDs compared to combined RAPD and ISSR data. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.785 to 1.000, 0.698 to 0.956 and 0.752 to 0.964 with RAPD, ISSR, and the combined RAPD-ISSR dendrogram, respectively.     

Construction of genetic linkage map of the medicinal and ornamental plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Catharanthus roseus</Emphasis>

An integrated genetic linkage map of the medicinal and ornamental plant Catharanthus roseus, based on different types of molecular and morphological markers was constructed, using a F₂ population of 144 plants. The map defines 14 linkage groups (LGs) and consists of 131 marker loci, including 125 molecular DNA markers (76 RAPD, 3 RAPD combinations; 7 ISSR; 2 EST-SSR from Medicago truncatula and 37 other PCR based DNA markers), selected from a total of 472 primers or primer pairs, and six morphological markers (stem pigmentation, leaf lamina pigmentation and shape, leaf petiole and pod size, and petal colour). The total map length is 1131.9 cM (centiMorgans), giving an average map length and distance between two markers equal to 80.9 cM and 8.6 cM, respectively. The morphological markers/genes were found linked with nearest molecular or morphological markers at distances varying from 0.7 to 11.4 cM. Linkage was observed between the morphological markers concerned with lamina shape and petiole size of leaf on LG1 and leaf, stem and petiole pigmentation and pod size on LG8. This is the first genetic linkage map of C. roseus.     

Comparison of RAPD and ISSR markers for genetic diversity analysis among different endangered Mangifera indica genotypes of Indian Gir forest region

The genetic variability and relationships among 20 Mangifera indica genotypes representing 15 endangered and 5 cultivars, obtained from Indian Gir forest region, were analyzed using 10 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 21 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. RAPD markers were more efficient than the ISSR assay with regards to polymorphism detection. Also, the average numbers of polymorphic loci per primer, average polymorphic information content (PIC) and primer index (PI) values were more for RAPD than for ISSR. But, total number of genotype specific marker loci, Nei’s genetic diversity (h), Shannon’s information index (I), total heterozygosity (Ht), average heterozygosity (Hs) and mean coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) were more for ISSR as compared to RAPD markers. The regression test between the two Nei’s genetic diversity indexes showed low regression between RAPD and ISSR based similarities but maximum for RAPD and RAPD + ISSR based similarities. The pattern of clustering of genotypes within groups was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrogram were compared. Thus, both the markers were equally important for genetic diversity analysis in M. indica.