Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers Research Articles

Influence of Pranic Agriculture in Enhancing Growth and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and its Genetic Analysis

Pranic Agriculture (PA) is an emerging supplementary farming system applied to the seeds, soil, and seedlings to improve plant growth and yield by improving the quality and quantity of Prana using Pranic Healing techniques. Chilli is the major spice crop of India. There is a constant demand for chilli in the local and international markets; necessitating its increased production. A field study (0.2 h) was carried out to understand the influence of Pranic agriculture treatment on chilli plant growth parameters, flowering, yield traits and molecular changes at the DNA level by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker analysis. Plant height was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in pranic treatment by 21% than in control. Leaf Chlorophyll content and root length were increased by 13% and 44% respectively in pranic treated chilli than control. Pranic treatment showed significantly higher fruit weight (6.47 g), the number of seeds per fruit (64.5), and yield per acre (14.25 t) as compared to control (5.56g, 51.1 and 12.21t) respectively. RAPD marker analysis recorded an average polymorphism of 24% between pranic and control. Pranic treatment was found effective in increasing the growth and yield of chilli. PA would be a supportive farming system for attaining sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Genetic diversity evaluation in wild Muntingia calabura L. based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

This present research was aimed to contribute fundamental knowledge about genetic diversity in wild Muntingia calabura. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD); a method that has been widely used to study genetic relationships in fruit crops. In this research investigation, eight accessions were collected, four accessions from Bangkok, Thailand and four accessions from Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia. DNA fingerprinting of the eight accessions was performed using twelve RAPD markers (OPA-01, OPA-02, OPA-07, OPA-11, OPC-08, OPC-09, RAPD-01, RAPD-02, RAPD-03, RAPD-04, RAPD-05, RAPD-06). The obtained results revealed that all twelve primers produced polymorphic bands. UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages) method was used to determine the genetic distance. Based on dendrogram analysis, the eight accessions of M. calabura formed two main clusters. The range of genetic distance based on RAPD scores was 0.50–0.85. The RAPD technology is suitable for anonymous genomes due to its adaptability to situations with limited quantities of DNA and higher efficiency, and low cost. Researchers hope that present work is impactful and useful for genetic breeding programs in the future.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth.) from the Peruvian Amazon Revealed by RAPD Markers

Capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth.) is a tree species of commercial importance widely distributed in South American forests that is traditionally used for its medicinal properties and wood quality. Studies on this tree species have been focused mainly on wood properties, propagation, and growth. However, genetic studies on capirona have been very limited to date. Currently, it is possible to explore genetic diversity and population structure in a fast and reliable manner by using molecular markers. We here used 10 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 59 samples of capirona that were sampled from four provinces located in the eastern region of the Peruvian amazon. A total of 186 bands were manually scored, generating a 59 × 186 presence/absence matrix. A dendrogram was generated using the UPGMA clustering algorithm, and, similar to the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), it showed four groups that correspond to the geographic origin of the capirona samples (LBS, Irazola, Masisea, Iñapari). Similarly, a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and STRUCTURE analysis confirmed that capirona is grouped into four clusters. However, we also noticed that a few samples were intermingled. Genetic diversity estimation was conducted considering the four groups (populations) identified by STRUCTURE software. AMOVA revealed the greatest variation within populations (71.56%) and indicated that variability among populations is 28.44%. Population divergence (Fst) between clusters 1 and 4 revealed the highest genetic difference (0.269), and the lowest Fst was observed between clusters 3 and 4 (0.123). RAPD markers were successful and effective. However, more studies are needed, employing other molecular tools. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation employing molecular markers in capirona in Peru considering its natural distribution, and as such it is hoped that this helps to pave the way towards its genetic improvement and the urgent sustainable management of forests in Peru.

Comparative study of genetic diversity using RAPD markers in Salvia (Lamiaceae)

Salvia has a high degree of environmental compatibility and is widespread around the world, especially in tropical and temperate regions. It is represented by 61 species in Iran including 19 endemic species. Salvia species are mostly shrubs or subshrubs, occasionally herbs, typically perennial, sometimes biennial or annual, and often aromatic. The genus has high medicinal, commercial and horticultural value. It is the largest and one of the taxonomically complicated genus of Lamiaceae. To determine the genetic diversity and understand the species’ limits within the Iranian Salvia, we produced both morphological and molecular data using 145 randomly collected plants representing 30 species from 18 provinces of Iran. A total of 107 reproducible bands were generated by 10 of 25 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, with an average of 10.7 bands/primer and 44% polymorphism. Largest number of effective alleles (Ne), genetic diversity (H), and Shannon Index (I) were shown by S. reuterana. Our data depicted highest similarity between S. suffruticosa and S. hydrangea and lowest between S. aristata and S. oligphylla. Salvia limbata showed relatively low level of genetic variation. Finally, the Neighbor Joining (NJ) trees based on RAPD markers data divided the populations into two different clusters, indicating their genetic difference which is discussed in details.

Species-Specific Molecular Detection of the Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne luci.

Simple SummaryThe root knot nematode Meloidogyne luci has been identified in various countries around the world parasitizing economically important crops. Due to its potential to cause serious damage to agriculture, the need for an accurate diagnosis at the species level has become mandatory. In the present study, a specific amplification product on M. luci was obtained from a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The DNA was sequenced and converted into a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker used for the species-specific molecular detection of this root knot nematode. The developed methodology is essential to monitoring the distribution and spread of M. luci in order to implement future effective and integrated pest management programs.Meloidogyne luci has been identified in various countries around the world parasitizing economically important crops and, due to its potential to cause serious damage to agriculture, was included in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization Alert List in 2017. This species shares morphological and molecular similarities with M. ethiopica and M. inornata, and a M. ethiopica group was therefore established. Although specific primers for the DNA amplification of species belonging to the M. ethiopica group have been developed previously, the primers were not species-specific, so molecular markers for the specific detection of M. luci are still needed. The objective of this study was to develop a SCAR marker for the detection of M. luci and the discrimination from other Meloidogyne spp. based on the intraspecific variability found in RAPD markers. RAPD screening of M. luci and M. ethiopica genome was used for the identification of a specific amplification product on M. luci, which was cloned, sequenced and converted into a SCAR marker. The specificity of the designed primers (Mlf/r) was tested and produced a fragment (771 bp) for all nine M. luci isolates with no amplification for the other nine Meloidogyne spp., including M. ethiopica and M. inornata. Additionally, the proper amplification of the M. luci SCAR-marker was also successful with DNA from galls of M. luci infected tomato roots. The results obtained in this study reveal that the specific molecular detection of M. luci was achieved and that the developed methodology can be used for routine diagnosis purposes, which are essential to monitoring the distribution and spread of M. luci in order to implement future effective and integrated nematode pest management programs.

Assessment of the Genetic Diversity among Wild Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis (L.)Schrad.) Ecotypes Collected from Different Regions of Sudan

Better utilization and conservation of the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP), most of which are collected from the wild, necessitate their screening to identify potential genotypes for both production and utilization in interbreeding to develop superior genotypes.The objective of this research, therefore,wasthe assessment of the genetic relationship among wild colocynth Citrullus colocynthis (L.)Schrad. ecotypes. Seeds of twelve colocynth plants (SF, K10, K101, K114, ABD, SH, G, GD, GD1, ND, SD and NK) were collected from wild plants growing in twelve diverse ecologies of Sudan’s States. Commercial watermelon (Wm) seeds were obtained from the seed store and tested for comparison. Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technology was used to explore the genetic relatedness of the ecotypes. Ten RAPD primers were used to amplify CTAB-extracted DNA from leaves of each ecotype. Data were used to create similarity matrices using the PAST 3.01 software package and a dendrogram was constructed based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficients. A total of 321 DNA fragments were detected by RAPD markers for the 13 tested plants giving an average of 24.69 alleles per ecotype. The number of fragments detected for each ecotype ranged from 11 (GD) to 64 detected for K10; ten fragments were detected for watermelon. Hundred percent polymorphism was recorded for the tested primers with high Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values in the range of 0.97-1.00. Similarity matrix constructed from data generated indicated that the closest ecotypes, with 67% similarity, were ABD and K114, while the most distant ones (no similarity) were SD and GD as well as GD and Wm. The constructed dendrogram divided the 12 colocynth ecotypes and the watermelon cultivar into three major clusters; the first includes watermelon cultivar as an out-group, the second includes all ecotypes except K10 which is grouped in a separate cluster. These results conclude that the ecological zone does not affect the genetic relatedness of the tested ecotypes despite their high genetic polymorphism. The variability between the ecotypes points out that Sudan’s colocynth germplasm possesses high potentiality for future improvement through crossing and selection.

Metabolic profiling, in vitro propagation, and genetic assessment of the endangered rare plant Anarrhinum pubescens

BackgroundAnarrhinum pubescens Fresen. (Plantaginaceae) is a rare plant, endemic to the Saint Catherine area, of South Sinai, Egypt. Earlier studies have reported the isolation of cytotoxic and anti-cholinesterase iridoid glucosides from the aerial parts of the plant. The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profiling of the wild plant shoots as well as establish efficient protocols for in vitro plant regeneration and proliferation with further assessment of the genetic stability of the in vitro regenerated plants. ResultsTwenty-seven metabolites have been identified in wild plant shoots using the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The metabolites include alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins, and a phenol. In vitro propagation of the plant was carried out through nodal cutting-micropropagation and leaf segment-direct organogenesis. The best results were obtained when nodal cutting explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium with Gamborg B5 vitamins supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (1.0 mg/L) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0.05 mg/L), which gave a shoot formation capacity of 100% and a mean number of shoots of 27.67 ± 1.4/explant. These shoots were successfully rooted and transferred to the greenhouse and the survival rate was 75%. Genetic fidelity evaluation of the micropropagated clones was carried out using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient indicated a similarity as high as 98% and 95% from RAPD and ISSR markers, respectively. ConclusionsThis study provides the chemical profiling of the aerial part of Anarrhinum pubescens. Moreover, in vitro regeneration through different tissue culture techniques has been established for mass propagation of the plant, and the genetic fidelity of the in vitro regenerated plants was confirmed as well. Our work on the in vitro propagation of A. pubescens will be helpful in ex situ conservation and identification of bioactive metabolites.

Pathogenic and molecular variation of Fusarium species causing head blight on barley landraces

AbstractFusarium head blight (FHB) is consistently one of the most important barley diseases worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity of 16 isolates of four Fusarium species under controlled conditions and their genetic variability using 22 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Pathogenic variation was characterized based on disease development rates and disease index on two Syrian barley landraces with varying resistance to FHB, Arabi Aswad (AS) and Arabi Abiad (AB). Significant differences in intra- and inter-Fusarium species pathogenicity and in susceptibility between the above-mentioned cultivars were highlighted. Overall, the two barley landraces showed moderately susceptible to moderately resistance levels to fungal infection and FHB spread within the head. Quantitative traits showed significant correlation with previous data generated in vitro and under field conditions, suggesting that growth chamber indices can predict fungal pathogenicity and quantitative disease resistance generated under various experimental conditions. Based on PCR amplification with seven different primers, the isolates showed genetic variation. Dendrogram generated by cluster analysis based on RAPD markers data showed two main groups, suggesting that a possible clonal origin could exist in the four Fusarium species. RAPD fingerprints are not useful to distinguish the 16 Fusarium isolates with different levels of pathogenicity.

Assessment of Genetic Stability of Micropropagated Bambusa balcooa Roxb. using RAPD Marker

Bambusa balcooa Roxb. was in vitro propagated by optimizing protocol using nodal segment from secondary branches with 100% success in MS liquid media containing 100 mg/l Myo-inositol, 3% sucrose supplement with 4.4 - 26.64 μM BAP for shoot multiplication, and 2.69 - 32.26 μM NAA for root induction. The highest shoot multiplication (14.53 ± 0.33 folds), shoot length (5.9 ± 0.6 cm), shoot number per explants (4.0 ± 0.24), and rooting (89.3 ± 0.33%) was obtained in MS liquid media supplement with 13.32 μM BAP (shooting) and 26.88 μM NAA (rooting) and 1% aqueous leaf extract of Artemisia vulgaris L. (EAV). Twenty RAPD (Random amplified Polymorphic DNA) primers were used individually to amplify DNA of tissue culture-raised plants and the mother plant where 8 primers yielded monomorphic banding patterns with reproducible, clear, scorable bands (2.8 per primer) ranging from 250 to 1800 bp respectively which revealed the micropropagated plants of B. balcooa retained their genetic stability.&#x0D; Plant Tissue Cult. &amp; Biotech. 31(1): 81-95, 2021 (June)

Genetic variations in some Egyptian Zea mexicana genotypes based on RAPD and AFLP markers

Maize-Teosinte hybrids are of significant interest to maize breeders as a resource of genetic diversity during the maize domestication process as a genetic pool for maize improvement. This study examines the genetic diversity and population structure of 16 Zea mexicana populations which are currently active in Zea breeding programs in Egypt using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. RAPD analysis (14 primers) produced 141 bands; out of which, 102 (72.3%) were polymorphic. On the other hand, AFLP (5 primer combinations) yielded 276 peaks including 267 (96.7%) polymorphic ones with an average of 53.4 peaks per primer combination. A total of 11 unique RAPD markers were created by 6 primers and identified 8 genotypes. The five primer combinations generated 56 unique amplicons that successfully distinguished 12 out of the 16 genotypes tested. Furthermore, the number of observed alleles (Na), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), and polymorphic information content (PIC) indices showed higher values for AFLP (2.00, 53.4, and 0.21) than for RAPD (1.67, 7.3, and 0.15). Cluster analysis based on Nei and Li genetic distance and an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) revealed 5 main clusters representing the 16 Zea mexicana confirming the population structure analysis obtained. High variability of the studied teosinte genotypes using RAPD and AFLP markers will provide valuable tools for Zea mexicana breeding programs in Egypt.

Pathogenic Variation and Molecular Characterization of Macrophomina phaseolina, the Cause of Sesame Charcoal Rot

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is one of the most important soil-borne fungi that affects sesame and causes charcoal rot disease, with a great economic challenge to sesame growers worldwide. Pathogenic and molecular characterizations of eleven M. phaseolina isolates collected from different geographical regions in Egypt were carried out to determine the pathogenicity and genetic diversity. Pathogenicity tests showed a pathogenic variability among the isolates. The identification of M. phaseolina isolates was confirmed by a specific primer and analyzed for genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The correlation between RAPD analysis of M. phaseolina isolates and their pathogenicity were estimated. Cluster analysis placed the isolates in two distinct clusters and exhibited clear correlation with their pathogenicity. Analysis of ISSR profiles revealed distinct genetic diversity among isolates and showed different clusters according to the geographical regions, in which close geographic origins tend to group nearly. The present study clearly demonstrated that M. phaseolina isolates which were obtained from different geographical regions were highly variable. RAPD and ISSR markers were suitable to reflect the genetic diversity among the studied isolates and could help in DNA finger printing which can be used in future breeding programs of sesame.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) relationship analysis based on morphology character and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is a tropical plant with many benefits, one of which istraditional medicine. Moreover, noni can grow in all types of climates. Plant diversity is themain key in plant breeding. The existence of a diverse plant makes it easy for breeders toassemble varieties. This study aims to determine the diversity and relationship of nonigermplasm based on morphological characters and RAPD markers. The materials used ten noniaccessions at Cimanggu Research Station, Indonesian Spice and Medicinal Crops ResearchInstitute (ISMCRI), Bogor, West Java. The morphological characters observed were leaflength, leaf width, number of pods, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and number of seeds. Therewere 20 primers used for RAPD. The results showed that morphological characters of leafshape, fruit shape, and the number of seeds could distinguish noni. Molecular analysis showedthat three primers (OPA 9, OPA 17, and OPB 18) could produce polymorphic DNA bands.Based on differences in DNA band patterns, 10 noni accessions were divided into two groups.There is no specific DNA band pattern that distinguishes a total of seeds noni.

Genetic diversity of alpine Dryas octopetala populations at their southern distribution limit in Europe

The arctic–alpine species Dryas octopetala has its southernmost European distribution in the northern part of Greece, where it forms isolated populations in three mountainous regions: Falakron, Tzena and Orvilos. This study aimed at estimating the intrapopulation genetic diversity and the overall genetic structure of these populations. A total of 20 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used. RAPD marker profiles revealed population differentiation, with Orvilos being the most differentiated population, indicating either genetic divergence or an independent origin. Intrapopulation genetic diversity indices were relatively low in all populations. Although isolation seem to have affected the genetic structure of D. octopetala populations at their southernmost European distribution limit, clonality and longevity of individuals might have contributed to maintaining their genetic diversity. The results emphasize the need for designing ex situ conservation management plans for conserving isolated alpine D. octopetala populations in the face of climate change.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with Morphological, Cytological, and Molecular Markers under Heat Stress

Tomatoes are usually consumed daily in the human diet. High temperatures reduce the number of tomato yields per year. Heat stress has been considered one of the most prominent causes of alterations in morphological and molecular characteristics in crops that decrease normal growth, production, and yield in diverse plants, including tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). In this study, we evaluated six tomato lines, namely G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6, at morphological, molecular, and cytological levels under heat stress. The average results of two seasons (2018 and 2019) clarified that the G6, G1, and G2 lines recorded the highest flowering values, as well as some fruit and vegetative growth traits. Furthermore, G6 and G2 had the maximum number of fruits/plant, whereas G2 and G1 produced the highest yield/plant under high temperatures. The number of chromosomes in all lines was 2n = 24, except for G5, in which the number was 2n = 26, whereas chromosome sizes were small, ranging from 323.08 to 464.48 µm. The G1 cultivar was a symmetrical cultivar (primitive), having the highest total form percentage (TF%) and symmetry index (Syi) values and the minimum karyotype asymmetry index (ASK) value, whereas G4 was asymmetrical (advanced). Molecular marker analysis demonstrated that intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers 49A, HB-14, 49A, 49B, and 89B presented the highest values for polymorphism percentage P%, marker index (MI), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), and polymorphism information content (PIC), respectively. In contrast, OP-A3, OP-B3, SCoT 2, and SCoT 12 primers showed the highest PIC, EMR, MI, P%, and resolving power (Rp) values across the studied random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and start codon-targeted (SCoT) primers. Moreover, ISSR revealed the highest number of unique specific markers (6), followed by RAPD (4) and SCoT (3) markers. Cluster analysis of combined cytological data and data relating to molecular marker attributes separated the G1, G2, and G3 lines into one group, whereas the other lines were clustered in another group. On the whole, the application of combined analysis using morphological, cytological, and molecular genetics techniques could be considered to provide suitable parameters for studying the evolution of the genetic divergence between the studied tomato lines.

Assessment of genetic diversity in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) accessions from Mongolia based on RAPD markers

Hippophae rhamnoides L., which belongs to the Elaegnaceae family, is one of the medically and environmentally valuable berry crops with its high nutritious and bioactive compounds. Despite its high demand in the food, medicinal and agricultural industries, this species has been less studied molecularly. In view of this, an effort has been made in the present study to characterize 24 accessions of H. rhamnoides collected from different geographical regions of Mongoliaa through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 10 RAPD primers were used in the present study for their ability to produce clear, scorable amplicons. The RAPD analysis totally generated 87 bands, of which 84 (96.34%) were polymorphic, pointing to a high degree of genetic variation. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.4-1 with the mean of 0.78. The UPGMA dendrogram was generated using these data grouped accessions into two main clusters. Cluster analysis reflected a relatively close relationship between accessions grown at the same or neighbouring areas. Thus, our data could be informative for further selection and management of germplasm collections and crossing strategies for sea buckthorn.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter simple sequence repeat markers reveals genetic diversity between micro propagated, wild and field cultivated genotypes of Gloriosa superba: an endangered medicinal plant.

Gloriosa superba L., an endangered medicinal plant with global interest due to presence of colchicine, an important alkaloid used in formulations of Indian and Traditional medicine. The plant has become endangered due to its unscientifically exploitation and high medicinal values. In the Present study 10 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 6 ISSR markers were employed to assess genetic divergence among micro propagated, wild and field cultivated plants of Gloriosa superba collected from different parts of India. In RAPD analysis, all the 10 accession with 10 RAPD primers amplified 466 fragments, with 96.43 % polymorphism and with an average of 46.6 bands per primer. The size of amplicons varied from 1656 to 100 bp. While, ISSR primers produced 328 fragments of which 298 were polymorphic with an average of 49.7 bands per primer with 91.83% polymorphism. The size of amplicons ranges from 2395 to 181 bp. RAPD, ISSR markers were also assessed by calculating polymorphic information content (PIC) to discriminate the genotypes, Average PIC value for RAPD, ISSR and combined RAPD + ISSR markers obtained was ≤ 0.50 suggesting the informativeness of markers. Jaccard's coefficient ranges from 0.18 to 0.75 (RAPD) and 0.17 to 0.61 (ISSR) and 0.21-0.52 for pooled ISSR and RAPD markers. The clustering pattern based on UPGMA analysis of the genotypes in the combined analysis revealed that the majority of the genotypes remained similar to the ISSR dendrogram, while the RAPD-based dendrogram showed some variation in the clustering of genotypes. The result of PCA scattered plot obtained were in agreement with the UPGMA dendrogram, which further confirms the genetic relationships explain by cluster analysis. Results confirmed that the genotype studied had good genetic diversity and can be used for identification, conservation, and future breeding program of Gloriosa species and consequently for the benefit of the pharmaceutical industries.

Genetic Diversity of Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.) Revealed by ISSR and RAPD Markers

Castor (Ricinus communis L.), known as castor oil plant or castor bean, is a non-edible oilseed crop. In the present study, the genetic diversity among 54 samples (3 wild and 51 cultivated) collected worldwide was evaluated using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 9 ISSR primers produced 83 high-resolution bands with 61 (74.53%) as polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands per primer and the genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 54.55% (UBC-836) to 100% (UBC-808) and from 0.74 to 0.96, respectively. A total of 11 out of 20 RAPD primers amplified unique polymorphic products with an average percentage of polymorphic bands of 60.98% (56 polymorphic bands out of a total of 90 bands obtained). The percentage of polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 25% (OPA-02 and B7) to 90.91% (B21) with the genetic similarity coefficient ranging from 0.73 to 0.98. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram using two molecular markers divided 54 castor genotypes into three groups. Furthermore, based on morphological data, all 54 castor varieties were grouped into three main clusters. The genetic diversity analysis based on two molecular makers showed that most varieties from China were closely related to each other with three varieties (GUANGDONGwild, ZHEJIANGWild, and HANNANWild) belonging to a wild group separated from most of the cultivated castor samples from China, India, France, and Jordan. These results suggested that the cultivated castor contains a narrow genetic base. Accordingly, we recommend that wild castor genetic resources be introduced for breeding novel castor varieties. Furthermore, the Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nigeria accessions were clustered into the same group. The results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and UPGMA cluster analysis were consistent with each other. The findings of this study are important for future breeding studies of castor.

Genetic Similarity of Commerson’s Anchovy across Segara Anakan Cilacap Assessed Using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers

Segara Anakan areas can be divided into three different regions according to their salinity. Salinity differences suggested that Commerson’s anchovy population in that area can be divided into three subpopulations due to genetic differences. Genetic differences among subpopulation can be assessed through a population genetic study using random amplified polymorphic DNA. This study aims to evaluate the genetic variation and differences of Commerson's anchovy (Stolephorus commersonnii) collected at three different water salinities in Segara Anakan estuary Cilacap Indonesia. Total genomic DNA was isolated using the Chelex method. Genetic diversity and differences were assessed using RAPD markers and were analyzed statistically using an analysis of molecular variance, as implemented in Arlequin software. The results showed that high genetic diversity was observed within the subpopulations. However, no significant genetic differences were observed among subpopulations which indicate genetic similarity. A high number of offspring are likely to cause high genetic variation within subpopulations. Adult and larvae migration is the cause of genetics similarity across Segara Anakan. Another impressive result is that water salinity did not affect the genetic characteristic of Commerson,s anchovy. Genetic similarity of Commerson’s anchovy indicates that Segara Anakan forms a single genetic conservation unit.

Comparison of individual based approaches using RAPD markers for identifying genetic relationships in Erodium (Geranaiceae)

Genetic diversity research is required to understand the conservation and management of plant resources in all ecosystems. In Iran, there are 15 different Erodium species. Erodium genetic diversity has not been studied extensively using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). As a result, six species were gathered and learned from six different Iranian locales. A total of 82 plant specimens were collected. Our objectives were to assess Erodium species genetic diversity and to identify Erodium species genetic diversity. 2) Is there a link between a species's genetic makeup and geographic location? 3) Population and taxon genetic structure. Erodium species were separated into two groups using an unweighted pair group technique with arithmetic mean and principal component analysis. In Erodium, gene flow (Nm) was relatively modest (0.33). The Mantel test revealed a link between genetic and geographical distances (r = 0.77, p=0.0001). We identified many genetic variations in the Erodium species, which indicates that it can adapt to changing circumstances. According to recent findings, RAPD markers and morphometry approaches may investigate Erodium species genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity of Lonicera L. (Caprifoliaceae) estimated by molecular markers and morphological characters

Members of Lonicera are characterized by opposite, narrowly elliptic to obovate leaves, white, yellow, reddish, or purple-red corolla with capitate stigma and undulate calyx margin. In Flora Iranica, Wendelbo (1965) classified 19 species of the Lonicera into two subgenera (Chamaecerasus and Lonicera) and three sections, namely Isoxylosteum, Isika and Coeloxylosteum. The four studied species belong to subgenus Chamaecerasus and sections Isika and Coeloxylosteum. No detailed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) studies were conducted to study Lonicera genetic diversity. Therefore, we collected and analyzed three species from 2 provinces regions. Overall, 45 plant specimens were collected. Our aims were 1) to assess genetic diversity among Lonicera species 2) is there a correlation between species genetic and geographical distance? 3) Genetic structure of populations and taxa. We showed significant differences in quantitative morphological characters in plant species. The Mantel test showed correlation (r=0.66, p=0.0001) between genetic and geographical distances. We reported high genetic diversity, which clearly shows the Lonicera species can adapt to changing environments since high genetic diversity is linked to species adaptability. Present results highlighted the utility of RAPD markers and morphometry methods to investigate genetic diversity in Lonicera species.