Molecular Diversity Analysis of Indigenous Potato Cultivars Using RAPD Markers

The study was undertaken to identify genotypic diversity at molecular level of potato for varietal improvement program at the Advanced Plant Breeding Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh. Eight cultivars of potato viz. Lalpakri, Sindurkouta, Indurkani, Ausha, Patnai, Sadaguti, Shilbilati, Challisha were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), for studying genotyping divergence. Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves of the cultivars and PCR reaction was performed. The PCR amplified DNA profile was visualized on agarose gel, staining with ethidium bromide. Three RAPD primers named OPA 01, OPA 03 and OPD 18 were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of potato varieties. All the primers were polymorphic and the primers produced the highest number of alleles. The genetic diversity value in Lalpakri with all cultivars except Sadaguti was found to have the highest genetic distance (1.0). The amount of genetic diversity within potato germplasm is quite distinct as revealed by the genetic similarity coefficients. The results indicate that, high level of genetic distance exists among the cultivars. The Primers OPA 01, OPA 03 and OPD 18 showed the highest level of genetic diversity and PIC value while the Lalpakri and Sadaguti cultivars had the highest genetic distance among other cultivars which could be used for further potato breeding program.