Inter-genus variation analysis in few members ofCucurbitaceaebased on ISSR markers (original) (raw)

2015, Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment

Genetic diversity fosters the quintessence of speciation and species acclimatization of plants in their in situ environment. Members of Cucurbitaceae, an edible and economically vital crop family, have spread across the world, dominating the tropical regions. Thus, a study of the genetic relationships among cucurbit cultivars would throw light onto the extent of diversification among these vegetal crops. The present study endeavours to understand the phylogenetic patterns and relatedness among selected species of cucurbits, using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, which are quick, reliable and produce sufficient polymorphisms for large-scale DNA fingerprinting purposes. A total of 117 bands, of which 57 were polymorphic, were amplified by five primers. The phylogram generated on the basis of Jacquards' similarity coefficient revealed a close genetic relationship between C. maderaspatanus and C. melo, while C. sativus, a member of the same genus, was placed as a distant relative from both species, thereby demonstrating remarkable diversification among members of the same genus.