Analysis of genetic diversity of banana cultivars using RAPD and ISSR markers

Abstract

In the present study, the genetic diversity of 23 banana genotypes was analyzed using 40 decamer RAPD primers and thirty-six ISSR primers. A total of 438 amplicons were generated by RAPD primers of 100 to 1500 bp size and 472 amplicons were generated using ISSR markers with 150 to 1500 bp size. The polymorphism ratio was reported as 94.98% for RAPD primers and 98.50% for ISSR primers. The marker system data was combined for cluster analysis and a dendrogram was generated in which two different clusters of banana genotypes were separated. Based on cluster data analysis, the similarity coefficient reported between different banana genotypes was 0.61 to 0.88 for RAPD markers and 0.117 to 0.683 for ISSR markers. In contrast, the combined data analysis resulted in a similarity coefficient of 0.61 to 0.87. This analysis will provide the relationship between the existing germplasm of bananas and the genetic variability in the existing germplasm that can be used to improve the present banana cultivar by providing options for the breeders to develop new varieties.