Analysis of genetic diversity in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) varieties using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers.

Genetic variability is highly significant for the improvement of many crop species including Coriandrum. The genetic divergence among 10 Indian varieties of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) was assessed employing random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. A total of 74 clear bands were generated, out of which 43.2% were polymorphic. The total number of markers varied from 6 to 13 with a mean of 9.25 markers per primer. The number of polymorphic markers for each primer varied from 1 to 11 with a mean of 4 polymorphic markers per primer. The amplified product size ranged from 370 to 44860 bp. PIC value ranged from 0.05 to 0.22 with a mean of 0.12. The Jaccard’s similarity coefficient values ranged 0.70 to 0.95 with a mean of 0.81. A dendrogram constructed based on the UPGMA clustering method, revealed two major clusters. Group-A consisted of one genotype 2, where as Group-B could be further classified into five subgroups. Current study highlights meager genetic diversity among various varieties and attributed to recent human selection pertinent to few genes. Keywords: RAPD, Coriandrum sativum, varieties, Genetic diversity, RAPD markers.