Genetic Diversity Analysis of Palas [Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.] Flower Variants through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA

Palas [Butea monosperma (L.) Taub.], a multipurpose leguminous tree has numerous flower variants. The genetic diversity of the flower variants (golden yellow, yellow, mustard yellow, chrome yellow, white, and scarlet) and a morphological variant, swadi palas was analyzed using RAPD marker. Thirty six RAPD primers were used to analyze their genetic diversity. Similarity coefficients of the palas variants ranged between 0.479 for yellow and swadi palas and 0.705 for mustard yellow and white variant. The cluster analysis grouped the palas variants into 2 major clusters, first comprising of golden yellow, yellow and chrome yellow variants and the second comprising of mustard yellow, white, scarlet and swadi palas variants. The unique polymorphic band of 687 bp was obtained in wild scarlet palas with OPS 02 primer. An attempt was made to develop more locus specific marker from this fragment. The newly designed locus specific primers amplified 687 bp fragment in chrome yellow, mustard yellow, white, scarlet and swadi palas variants. This marker will be helpful in identifying palas flower variants and their conservation and use in breeding programmes.