Genetic diversity in Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) based on phenotypic and RAPD markers

Abstract

Genetic similarities, which can be detected with phenotypic and molecular markers, are important for effective use of available germplasm. It provides information on genetic diversity for reliable gene recombination. Thirty accessions of amaranth were assessed for variation with 15 phenotypic characters and 10 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. Significant (p < 0.05) phenotypic variation was observed among the accession at the vegetative phase and most of the accessions had leaves with green pigmentation. Sink factor such as leaf, stem and root weights, and dry matter, were homogenous traits which contributed significantly to diversity among the accessions. The RAPD primers produced 115 bands with 88 (77%) polymorphic loci. The DNA classification between some of the accessions was similar to the phenotypic diversity. Information on phenotypic diversity and traits contributing to the diversity can be used deductively with genetic diversity to guide effective hybrid program.

Keywords: Accession, genetic divergence, Mahanalobis, oligonucleotide, polymorphism, UPGMA