Identification of Molecular Markers to Detect Somaclonal Variation in Banana CV. Grand Niane (AAA) Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

The present study was designed with the main purpose of detection of variations of somaclones in the banana cv. Grand Naine by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular marker. Matured leaves that are free from damage caused by pests or disease were collected in brown covers from different field places like Anekal, Kadur, Hulimavu, Hesaraghatta. Source of these micropropagated planting materials were from Khodays Biotech, MSR Biotech, Green earth, Ramco Biotech companies. Isolation of genomic DNA was carried out by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. The integrity and purity of DNA and visualization of amplified products was done by electrophoresis and quantified. PCR amplification of DNA from banana somaclones using RAPD, markers were carried out using Taq DNA polymerase and short stretch of oligonucleotides (primers), which are specific to the DNA to be amplified. Then the RAPD, markers are used to assess the genetic variation in somaclonal variants of banana cv. Grand Naine. The potential of molecular markers have been used for testing the genetic fidelity of micropropagated cv. Grand Naine (AAA) plants in the fields. Molecular markers like RAPD used to identify the genetic variations that has resulted in banana cv. Grand Naine. All the markers tried clearly showed polymorphism between the off types and the normal banana plants. In conclusion, 9-17% polymorphism was observed in variants indicating the level of genetic change. The primers OPS-05 was redesigned as a marker for dwarf off-type and AR-14 for dwarf non-flowering. However, this is preliminary report on limited number of individuals, and hence a large number of individuals needs to be tested before confirming the association between these markers to a specific genotype.