Molecular characterization of traditional and improved rice cultivars based on random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) markers

Abstract

Information of genetic similarities and diversity among superior rice cultivars is needed for potential rice breeding programs and origin of plant lines. Genetic polymorphism and relationships among 35 commercial varieties and primitive cultivars of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) were established by using random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) primers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with 14 primers produced a total of 126 different marker bands, of which 82.5% were polymorphic. The size range of the amplified DNAs was mostly between 0.2 and 3.63 kbp. Cluster analysis using an un-weighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) was used to group the cultivars. Cluster analysis placed most of the aromatic cultivars close to each other showing a high level of genetic relatedness. Lower levels of polymorphism in aromatic cultivars of rice indicated that there is a basic similarity among basmati cultivars used in this study, which is to be expected due to their same ancestors and selection for similar characteristics. The RAPD analysis offered a simple and quick method for the assessment of variability between different cultivars.

Key words: Random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), un-weighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA), rice (Oryza sativa L.).