Evaluation of genetic diversity in Jatropha curcas L. using RAPD markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in a representative population of Jatropha curcas L. from different eco-geographical regions of India. Out of 50 dacamer primers used, 44 yielded polymorphic banding pattern. A total of 328 DNA bands were obtained, of which 308 (93.90%) were polymorphic. The polymorphism was scored and used in band sharing analysis to identify genetic relationship. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using UPGMA grouped all the 40 genotypes into two major groups at a similarity coefficient of 0.54. Similarity indices ranged from 0.44 to 0.92 with an average of 0.73, indicating a moderate to high genetic variability among the genotypes. The highest similarity coefficient was detected between accessions JC-32 and JC-35 from Madhya Pradesh, and the lowest in accessions JC-9, JC-14 and JC-19 from Rajasthan (Pipalkhunt, Banswara), Punjab (Kandi area) and Haryana (Ladwa, Hisar), respectively, Also, the Jatropha populations from diverse agro-climatic regions were more dispersed on the principal coordinates plot, revealing a wide genetic base.