Studies on the genetic diversity of pointed gourd using biochemical methods (Isozyme analysis)

Biochemical characterizations of 64 pointedgourds were done using three isozyme viz., acid phosphatase, peroxidase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase. A wide range of diversity among the gremplasm based on their acid phosphatase, peroxidase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase isoenzyme banding patterns were observed. In respect of isoenzyme activity; 8 acid phosphatase, 7 peroxidase and 9 glutamate oxaloacetate transminase electrophoretic zymotypes were formed by 19, 11, and 19 bands at different Rf values varying from 0.19 to 0.82, 0.38 to 0.69 and 0.15 to 0.95, respectively. The wide range of similarity co-efficient of 0.0-80.0, 0.0-66.0, and 0.0-80.0 as found among the electrophoretic patterns in acid phosphatase, peroxidase, and glutamate oxaloacetate transminase, respectively, indicating wide genetic diversity among the accessions. Based on the polymorphic activity of these three enzymes, 27 combinations of electrophoretic zymotypes were identified, each of which can he equated to genotypes. Each of the groups consisted of one to eight genotypes. Sixty four accessions of pointed gourd were grouped into 12 clusters. The genotypes collected from the same location were grouped into different clusters. Key Words: Genetic diversity; pointed gourd; biochemical methods. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i1.5762Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(1) : 123-141, March 2009