Assessment of genetic diversity in mulberry using morphological and molecular markers

Abstract

The horizontal expansion of sericulture in traditional and non-traditional states has made it necessary to develop mulberry varieties specific to various agro-climatic zones. At present various improved varieties in use are mostly developed, involving exotic accessions as parents. An understanding of genetic diversity is must for selection of parental lines to gain vigor in hybrid. In the present study, an initiative was taken to assess the genetic diversity among mulberry ( Morus alba) genotypes using morphological and PCR based molecular markers. The morphological aspects considered in the present study revealed high variability. The number of leaves per meter twig was highest in Tr-10 and Chakmajra (22). Maximum inter-nodal distance was recorded in variety MS-9 and Chinese White (5.7cm). Actual leaf area was highest in LUN-10 (225.38cm 2 ). The fresh weight of 100 leaves was highest in Kokuso-27 (339.0g) and dry-weight as (101.5g). Maximum leaf length observed was 23.0 cm in V-1 and maximum width of 17.3 cm was recorded in Kokuso-27. For molecular assessment of genetic diversity, nine reproducible RAPD primers were used that revealed more than 97.22 % polymorphism percentage with 0.32 average PIC value. Finally, the cluster analysis based on UPGMA divided the varieties in two major groups. Based on morphological and molecular analysis, diverse varieties having better agronomic traits can be selected as the parental source in developing new hybrids. Moreover, the RAPD profiles of each variety obtained from molecular analysis can be used to depict the authenticity of a cultivar and confirmation of hybrid variety.