Morphological and RAPD markers - mediated assessment of genetic diversity amongst various Trifolium species and identification of potential ideotypes for genetic upgradation of berseem under changed climate in mid-hills of north-west Himalayas

Genetic diversity among 25 genotypes belonging to nine species of genus Trifolium was evaluated on the basis of agro-morphological traits using Mahalanobis D² statistic and RAPD markers with the objective of identifying the species showing affinity with berseem in order to enhance its genetic base for its genetic upgradation. Mean values revealed superiority of SH 48 (shaftal), Wardan, Bundel berseem 2, Bundel berseem 3, Saidi and Fahli (berseem), PRC 3 (red clover), EC 401713 (constantinopole clover) and Palampur (arrowleaf clover) for various fodder traits. D² statistic grouped the 25 genotypes into four clusters. In contrast, RAPD analysis grouped the genotypes into three clusters and further sub-clusters corresponding to different species. Both D² statistic and RAPD analysis revealed low genetic diversity among white clover and berseem genotypes whereas, red clover genotypes were found more divergent. T. apertum and T. constantinopolitanum exhibited more affinity towards berseem than any other species.