Plant Science Research, Vol. 38, 2016

Inter and intra-population genetic variability in Calamus guruba Buch.-Ham. (Arecaceae)-an economically important rattan species, using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers

The genetic variability among nine natural populations and 45 accessions of Calamus guruba  Buch.-Ham. (Arecaceae)- a dioecious and economically important Indian rattan species, was  assessed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat  (ISSR) molecular markers. Twenty RAPD and twenty ISSR primers were used to study the  genetic diversity within and among populations of C. guruba collected from six districts of  Odisha state. Out of 121 amplified loci with RAPD primers, 82 bands were polymorphic and  39 monomorphic in nature; no private band was detected. Similarly, with ISSR analysis, a total  of 138 bands were generated which included 87 polymorphic and 51 monomorphic bands. The  genetic similarity among all the accessions studies varied in the range of 65% to 99% indicating  considerable variability within the species and close similarity among individuals of a particular  population. Maximum genetic diversity was detected in the population collected from Chandaka  Wildlife Sanctuary, Khurda district with an average polymorphism of 37.50% and minimum  (18.98%) in the population from Khallikote, Ganjam district of Odisha. Use of Calamus guruba  population from Chandaka with higher genetic variability as source of seed and other planting  materials is suggested for maintaining the genetic stock and raising plantations under forestry  programmes.