Evaluation of Genetic diversity of sugarcane variants using morphological characters and RAPD molecular markers

This study was accomplished to analyze the genetic variation of 33 agricultural sugarcanes variants using RAPD technique. The aim was to determine the genetic variation level and relation among some commercial varieties of Saccharum officinarum and the two wild varieties of Saccharum spontneum as well. Total genomic DNA of each sample was extracted from 2.3-1.3 gr of new germinated fresh young leaves using modified CTAB method. The concentration was determined by spectrophotometer. RAPD analysis was performed by use of 2+ bp randomized nucleotide primers. All genotypes were studied for presence or absence of bands, and analyzed by use of statistical software NTSYS 1++1. Among 93 used primers, 3+of them showed polymorphism between the sample, and 191 polymorphic bands were produced. Cluster analysis lays varieties into two separated groups through the Jacard coefficient and UPGMA methods. In this classification, the two wild varieties from the Saccharum spontanenm were separated completely and showed completely different band pattern in comparison with other varieties. Generally, the results of this research showed that RAPD marker is a suitable tool to study genetic variation in sugarcane. It is recommended to increase the efficiency of breeding programs to study precise genetic variation and to determine the relationship among cultivars. Overall, the results indicated that RAPD technique in combination with morphological selection and identification could serve as an ideal tool for studying the genetic variation among sugarcane families.

Keywords:

Sugarcane , RAPD molecular marker , Genetic variation , morphological characteristics