Genetic Variations in Asparagus racemosus, an Endangered Medicinal Herb Endemic to India Using RAPD Markers

Aim: To study the genetic diversity in Asparagus racemosus germplasm using RAPD molecular markers for its better conservation and utilization.

Study Design: RAPD markers used to check genetic diversity in Asparagus racemosus using different softwares.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Bio & Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar-125001 between May 2013 to June 2014.

Methodology: A total of 60 RAPD markers used to check polymorphism at genetic level among 60 asparagus genotypes. PCR amplified bands were scored as 0 and 1 for absence and presence. The binary data so obtained used to reveal genetic polymorphism via NTSYS, POPGENE and AMOVA analysis.

Results: A significant level of genetic diversity (81.48%) among all genotypes was assessed by using RAPD molecular markers. Out of 60, 49 RAPD primers produced 425 polymorphic loci. The value of Jaccard’s coefficient varied from 0.48 to 0.97 for RAPD. OPB-15 primer proved to be the most polymorphic marker among all used. The POPGENE analysis revealed 44.44, 79.01 and 64.20% polymorphism for RAPD analysis in groups with low, intermediate and high saponin content. The overall value of Shannon’s index and Nei’s genetic diversity was 0.3402 & 0.2169 for RAPD marker system.

Conclusion: These results showed RAPD marker system useful in detecting significant genetic polymorphism among genotypes which can be used for production and conservation of improved genotypes.