Role of molecular markers for genetic diversity analysis in floricultural crops – A review Sinha Sweta1, Singh Deepti2,* 1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813 210, Bihar, India 2Department of Horticulture (Vegetable and Floriculture), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813 210, Bihar, India *Corresponding author’s e-mail: singh.deepti2008@gmail.com
Online Published on 12 February, 2024. Abstract Genetic diversity is an essential component for any crop improvement as well as for adaptation to future environmental challenges. So, there is a need to evaluate the genetic diversity and identification of superior genotypes for a successful floricultural crop improvement program. Genetic diversity in floricultural crops can be achieved through morphological, biochemical and molecular markers. Compared to morphological and biochemical traits, molecular markers can reveal genetic differences at the DNA level between plants as they are not environmentally influenced. Thus, Molecular markers play a key role for the genetic diversity study and identification of desirable traits, inter-relationship between the genotypes and genetic purity analysis. Various kinds of molecular markers such as RAPD, ISSR, SSR, AFLP, SCAR, DArT, SNP etc, have been successfully employed in floricultural crops for genetic diversity studies. With the rapid development of next generation sequencing based molecular markers reduces the cost and time required for diversity analysis. Therefore, molecular markers provide extremely useful information that undoubtedly proves invaluable tools in the management and preservation of germplasm and genetic resources. The present review describes the most widely used molecular markers that are utilized for the analysis of genetic diversity in floricultural crops. Top Keywords Diversity, Floriculture, Genetic, Molecular marker. Top |