Appraisal of Genetic Diversity in Cuminum cyminum L. using Molecular Markers

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L. fam: Apiaceae) is an important seed spice and its seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) inter simple sequences repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted polymorphic (SCoT), primers were used to assess genetic diversity in its 12 varieties. Total genomic DNA was extracted by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide method (CTAB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplification was carried out. Out of 400 RAPD primers tested, 56 primers were amplified, of which 55 primers revealed polymorphic loci. 508 bands were amplified of which 321 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphism frequency of 63.18% and an average of 5.8 polymorphic bands per primer. The size of bands varied between 250 and 4000 bp. Out of the 100 UBC-tested ISSR primers, 39 primers gave amplification products. Of these, 27 primers gave polymorphic bands. A total of 305 bands were amplified, of which 169 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 55.40% and an average of 6.2 polymorphic bands per primer. The size of bands varied between 300 and 5000 bp. Similarly, of the 36 SCoT primers, 32 primers gave amplification products all the primers produce polymorphic bands. 723 bands were amplified, of which 577 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 79.80% and an average of 18.03 polymorphic bands per primer. The dendrogram revealed two main clusters. Each cluster was subdivided into subgroups. The present investigation revealed that molecular markers could be successfully utilised to determine genetic diversity and genetic relationship of various varieties. From the clustering pattern and genetic relationship obtained with different markers, breeders can fruitfully identify the diverse genotype from different cluster and take them up in their future breeding program.