Molecular characterization of Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) cultivars utilizing RAPD and ISSR marker system

The genetic variations among ten different tulip (Tulipa sp.) genotypes were identified using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) molecular marker system. RAPD analysis was carried out in ten genotypes of tulip with fifteen arbitrary primers, producing 47 loci which were in total 261 amplicons. The pair wise Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.31 (between genotype Holland beauty and Avignon) to 0.80 (between Maureen and Holland beauty). The dendrogram based on UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method Using Arithmetic Averages) clearly revealed one individual accession and one cluster, whereas the cluster was subdivided into three sub clusters (Sub cluster-I, Sub cluster-II and Sub cluster-III). ISSR analysis was carried out in the same ten genotypes of tulip with five primers. ISSR primers showing maximum number of polymorphic bands were UBC-14, UBC-15 and UBC-65 (2). The polymorphism percentage shown by different primers ranged from 33.33 to 100. Out of five primers, three primers displayed 100% polymorphism. The results of this study demonstrate the functionality of RAPD and ISSR markers as two effective molecular tools for identification and assessment of genetic relationship within tulip cultivars grown under West Bengal plains.