Assessment of diversity using RAPD and ISSR markers in Sorghum varieties across Gujarat, India

Molecular characterization of twelve varieties of Sorghum bicolor L. was carried out with 11 RAPD and three ISSR primers. Out of the different anchored primer combinations, ISSR primers with TC and GA motifs produced clear and maximum scorable bands, thus revealing a better coverage of the genome. Genetic diversity parameters [viz., average and effective number of alleles, polymorphic information content (PIC)] were calculated for both RAPD and ISSR markers. UPGMA clustering based on Jaccard's coefficient was calculated. RAPD markers were more efficient than ISSR markers with regards to detection of polymorphism, number of bands scored and PIC values. Genetic variations detected among the geographically different populations of Sorghum bicolor L. could be of much use for the introgression of new characters from wild counterparts to the cultivars, isolation of stable segregating markers and selection of improved varieties and conservation of germplasm resources.