Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Chrysanthemum {Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) germplasm based on RAPD markers

Abstract

Aim The present investigation was carried out to characterize the genetic variation present in a set of 38 Indan chrysanthemum cultivars using RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers. Unlike to previous molecular markers based dversity studes, the present study involved population structure analysis which revealed subpopulations and admixtures in setofchrysanthemum cultivars studed. Methodology The experimental material of the present investigation comprised of 38 chrysanthemum cultivars collected from different part of India. Total genomic DNA was extracted from fresh and young leaf tissues following CTAB method. Polymorphic information content and resoh/ing power of primers were calcilated to select usefd primers. Dendogram and PCoA analysis were canied out to reveal the genetic diversity and relatedness among culth/ars. Population structure analysis was carried out to decipher any subpopulations and admixtures in the chrysanthemum germplasm. Results A total of 70 clear and scorable bands were produced by 10 RAPD primers. Out of 70 bands, 66 were polymorphic and four were monomorphic. All the 38 cultivars were grouped into 2 sub-population. Mixed population ancestiy was observed among the two clusters. Interpretation Sufficient diversity was observed among the germplasm. Results of present study will be helpful for future population and selective breeding studies targeting overall chrysanthemum improvement. Diverse cultivars identified in the present study can be utilized in multi-parent breeding program to develop varieties with desirabletraits.