Genetic variability and diversity analysis of Chinese potato (solenostemon rotundifolius (poir.) J. K. Morton) germplasm using morphological and molecular markers

Abstract

Placed next to cereals, the root and tuber crops are rich sources of carbohydrates that are well known for their medicinal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, culinary and ornamental properties besides their wide range of industrial applications. Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir.) J. K. Morton commonly called ‘Chinese potato’ is one amongst tubers which are commonly consumed mainly by the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of India and is known as "Koorkka" in their native language. In the present study, assessment of genetic variability amongst 27 accessions of Chinese potato maintained in the field genebank of ICAR-CTCRI was done using morphological and molecular markers. Cluster analysis, grouped the 27 accessions into three major clusters based on morphological traits and molecular markers. Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis showed maximum genetic similarity between the variety Sree Dhara and TCR-136 and the least between TCR-136 and TCR-110 morphologically. Ten ISSR markers screened and optimized revealed high overall percent polymorphism of 97.82. Cluster analysis by ISSR showed maximum genetic similarity between TCR-120 and ASA-10 and the least between SAASV-20 and TCR-111. It is inferred that the morphological characters and molecular markers used in the study were effective in germplasm characterization and genetic diversity studies in Chinese potato.