Use of RAPD markers for assessment of genetic diversity in sugarcane cultivars

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was carried out in 17 cultivars of sugarcane. Selected 40 primers generated 325 bands, 134 of which were found to be polymorphic. The number of amplification products ranged from 3 to 15 for different primers. The genetic similarity among sugarcane cultivars ranged from 0.77 to 0.99. The average genetic similarity was 0.87. UPGMA cluster analysis placed these cultivars in to different groups. The parentage of the varieties did not contribute significantly to the grouping pattern. Varieties belonging to the common female parent were under different groups, while varieties from different parentage were under same group. Among the varieties Co SNK 3754 was found to be totally distinct and divergent from rest of the varieties. The study reveals the limited genetic base of the current Indian commercial varieties and the need to diversify the genetic base by using new sources from the germplasm.