Detection of genotype specific fingerprints and molecular diversity of selected Indian locals and landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.) using DNA markers

A set of sixty-five local rice (Oryza sativa L.) accessions and three improved rice varieties were screened to identify the extent of genetic diversity present at the molecular level using RAPD markers. Sixteen primers generated 112 marker levels with 74.1% polymorphism. Dendrogram constructed based on molecular polymorphism unveiled considerable amount of diversity among the varieties. Genotype specific DNA bands were identified for selected lines. These distinct markers have the potential to be employed as genetic fingerprints for future varietal identification and classification. The use of primer duplexes resulted in generation of higher number of DNA bands compared to single primer. The study indicated that the RAPD markers provide an easy, rapid and simple technique for the preliminary assessment of genetic diversity among the local rices.