Genetic diversity of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R Br.] Hybrids using RAPD and ISSR markers

Abstract

DNA-based markers have indeed become a cornerstone in genetic research, especially in the field of plant breeding and hybrid & cultivar identification. These markers provide researchers with a powerful tool for estimating genetic diversity and tracing the
relationships between different hybrids and varieties. In present study, the genetic diversity present at molecular level in ten pearl millet hybrids was studied using RAPD and ISSR markers, by extracting DNA from the leaves of 7 day old seedlings. RAPD dendrogram based on UPGMA analysis grouped the 10 pearl millet hybrids into two main clusters A and B, with Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranging from 0.465 to 0.728. RAPD analysis indicated that hybrid GHB-577 and GHB-757 and GHB-757 and GHB-316 were similar while non-similarity was found between GHB-526 and GHB-538. ISSR dendrogram based on UPGMA analysis of ten pearl millet hybrids generated by pooled ISSR molecular data gave two main clusters, clusters A and B. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.655 to 0.913. Thus, the results indicated that highest similarity index value of 0.913 was found between GHB-235 and GHB-316, while the lowest similarity index value of 0.655 was between GHB-538 and GHB-732.