1Department of Biochemistry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand - 388 110, Gujarat, India.
2Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand - 388 110, Gujarat, India.
In the present paper genetic variations of ten lucerne varieties are described on the basis of RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. A total of 20 distinct primers of OPK series were screened and 5 primers were selected for analysis. Genetic variation was observed for the presence or absence of bands in the RAPD profile. Of the total 55 bands, 25 contributed by five primers were polymorphic in ten lucerne varieties. Cluster analysis clearly showed that 10 varieties of lucerne were grouped into two major clusters based on similarity indices. Among the 10 varieties, AND-2 can be identified from the rest of the varieties. Thus, from overall RAPD analysis it can be concluded that RAPD markers can be successfully used to discriminate between different varieties in lucerne.
Lucerne (Medicago sativa), varietal identification, RAPD marker, PCR
