Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) markers for genetic analysis in micropropagated plants of Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Four years' old micropropagated plants regenerated by enhanced axillary branching from shoot buds of a single genotype of Robinia pseudoacacia were characterized by RAPDs. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis was carried out using 19 random 10-mer DNA primers and 286 RAPD bands were examined which showed 30% polymorphism. Similarity indices ranged from 0.86 to 0.96 among different plants based on RAPD data. The UPGMA dendrogram was constructed based on similarity indices which showed clustering of different plants into subgroups based on similarity values. Our results suggest that somaclonal DNA sequence variations are present even when organized cultures such as shoot buds were used as explant for micro-propagation.