Studies of genetic diversity among drought tolerant tetraploid and diploid cotton by RAPD and ISSR markers

The knowledge of genetic divergence in cotton is essential to enhance the crop improvement programme for abiotic, biotic and other agricultural important traits. Drought tolerant is one of the major limiting factor in cotton production. RAPD and ISSR markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity among drought tolerant tetraploid (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and diploid (Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum) genotypes. The RAPD primers amplified a total no. of 795 bands out of which 35% were polymorphic. The ISSR primer (GATA)₈ showed 78% similarity and the primer (GC)₁₄ has shown 80% similarity. The diploid and tetraploid genotypes grouped into separate clusters and tetraploid showed less genetic diversity than diploids.