Molecular Analysis and Study of Genetic Relationships among Species of Desmodium Desv. Using RAPD Markers

Aims: The present study was aimed to determine the genetic relatedness and diversity among accessions of Desmodium spp using RAPD markers.

Study Design: In order to achieve the aim authentic samples of Desmodium dichotomum (Willd.) DC., Desmodium laxiflorum DC., Desmodium scorpiurus (Sw.) Desv., and Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC., were analyzed and compared to illustrate the phylogenetic relationships among them.

Place and Duration of Study: National Research Institute of Basic Ayurvedic Sciences, Pune, India June – November, 2015.

Methodology: In this study, twenty five universal RAPD primer sets for plant were used. The amplified products were compared and the phylogenetic tree was drawn using UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean) by applying Jaccard’s similarity coefficient.

Results: Twenty five random primers produced 218 loci. The primers RPI 14 and RPI 17 showed highest variability; the primers RPI 2 and RPI 9 were genetically closely linked. Identification of medicinal plants by their molecular signature is a well known and highly reliable tool to assess the genetic relatedness among species.

Conclusion: There are less reports on genetic diversity studies of Desmodium, so the present study can be a baseline data for the development of robust and economic approach which may result in more inclusive ex situ conservation.