Determining genetic diversity among Porteresia coarctata Tateoka accessions using morphological, isozyme and RAPD markers

Genetic variability among 26 accessions of Porteresia coarctata, a salt tolerant wild rice, was estimated by morphological, isozyme and RAPD marker analyses, and the data sets compared. Variations in six morphological traits and six isozymes revealed diversity among accessions. A total number of 99 bands were generated by 18 RAPD primers of which 46 were polymorphic. Maximum diversity was observed in accessions collected from Orissa followed by that of Goa, Maharashtra and Pichavaram. Genetic similarities generated using Jaccard's index was used for comparisons. The diversity estimated by RAPD was higher at intra-site level. The information on the extent of genetic diversity and ecotypic differentiation will guide efficient utilisation of this important wild species.