Analysis of genetic relationships of Indian grape genotypes using RAPD markers

Abstract

The 34 grapevine genotypes grown in India were studied for the genetic relatedness using RAPD, markers. Out of 120 primers tested, 31 were found polymorphic for all the genotypes. The molecular diversity of these genotypes was estimated based on 205 RAPD bands using Jaccard's and Dice's similarity coefficients. The two diversity indices for RAPD marker system depicted a high level of correlation (>99%). The resolving power (Rp) and polymorphism information content (PIC) was found highest for primers OPB-15 (16.7) and OPG-15 (9.17), respectively. The UPGMA dendrogram obtained from the cluster analysis using Jaccard's similarity matrix showed two clusters at 35% genetic similarity. In the dendrogram, all the seedless varieties clustered together and other grouped at different similarity levels that suggest the development of seedless grapevine cultivars from related ancestor(s). The RAPD primers OPG-7, OPB-12, OPB-3 and OPB-4 amplified a unique band for Hybrid 72-51 (Angoor Kalan x Pusa Seedless) whereas, OPW-19 and OPB-4 amplified unique band for Bharat Early and Julesky Muscat, respectively. The Mantel's test between the Dice's and Jaccard's similarity matrices provided r = 0.99518 (t value = 8.45) for RAPD, suggesting very good correlation between the two similarity indices. The analysis with RAPD markers provides a quick, reliable and highly informative system to establish genetic relationship among grape genotypes.