DNA Fingerprinting of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) by RAPD

The present investigation was carried out at Lethpora area of Kashmir region (J & K) to compare the diversity estimated through D-2 analysis and molecular markers. A set of 200 saffron genotypes from different saffron growing areas of Kashmir were collected and were grown at Lethpora village during 2006. Observations (individual and pooled) were taken for morphological traits. Mahalanobis distribution pattern employing Tocher's method classified 200 genotypes in sixteen clusters with 171 genotypes in cluster I, 9 genotypes in cluster V, 7 genotypes in cluster VI and one genotype each in rest of the clusters. RAPD analysis of 20 selected genotypes was carried out. In all, 20 out of 25 primers were selected on the basis of amplification robustness, clarity and scorability of banding patterns, which provided 1562 repeatable fragments. DNA fingerprinting using RAPD markers during the present study showed considerable genetic variability among 20 different saffron genotypes.