Detection and Comparison of RAPD & SSR Primers in Genetic Diversity of Ocimum sanctum

Aims: To Analysis of genetic variability in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) genotypes by using RAPD & SSR Markers.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biotechnology at K.K.Wagh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nashik.

Methodology: Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn., commonly known as Tulsi, is an aromatic plant with significant traditional and medicinal value. To assess the genetic diversity and relatedness of six Tulsi genotypes (Krishna, Ram, Lavangi, Pandharpuri, Daisil, and Kapoori), molecular techniques were employed. The genotypes were collected from Nagarjuna Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Park at Dr. P.D.K.V. Akola. DNA isolation was performed using alcohol fixation without liquid nitrogen, and the genotypes were analyzed using RAPD and SSR primers for molecular characterization.

Results: Genetic diversity analysis of six Tulsi genotypes (Krishna, Ram, Lavangi, Pandharpuri, Daisil, and Kapoori) was performed using RAPD and SSR markers. Five RAPD primers produced 15 bands, with 11 bands showing polymorphism (73.3%) and 4 bands showing monomorphism (26.7%). The PIC value ranged from 0.28 to 0.49 (average: 0.40). Four SSR primers generated 9 bands, with 8 bands showing polymorphism and 1 band showing monomorphism. The PIC value ranged from 0.24 to 0.57 (average: 0.39). The Jaccard coefficient revealed moderate to high similarity in RAPD (0.40 to 0.73) and SSR (0.44 to 0.88) analyses. The UPGMA dendrogram separated the genotypes into two main clusters. Cluster 1 included Krishna, Lavangi, Ram, Pandharpuri, and Daisil Tulsi, while cluster 2 consisted of Kapoori Tulsi. The SSR dendrogram also formed two clusters, with Krishna, Lavangi, Ram, Daisil, and Kapoori genotypes in cluster 1, and Pandharpuri Tulsi showing dissimilarity and forming cluster 2.