Identification of Genetic Relationship among Saraca asoca Genotypes Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde is considered as a medicinally important plant species with higher therapeutic value. It has immense therapeutic value due to presence of various bioactive compounds in it. Geographical locations play important roles in the production of pharmaceutically important compounds and this variation comes from the genetic background of the plants. S. asoca is found at different locations of India and may differ in their genetic architecture. Due to high pharmaceutical values it is important to explore diversity among genotypes available in India. The present investigation was carried out to explore inherent diversity at DNA level among 15 S. asoca genotypes collected from different geographical locations of India. For this purpose a total of 40 inter simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) were used. Out of 40 ISSR markers, only 28 markers produced polymorphic bands. The total numbers of bands amplified were 149 out of them 133 bands were found to be polymorphic. A dendrograin was generated on the basis of UPGMA clustering. All S. asoca genotypes were clustered into two groups and grouping was done according to their collection regions. The study demonstrates higher genetic variability among studied genotypes with the suitability of ISSR markers for phylogenetic analysis of S. asoca genotypes. The findings of present investigation shall be helpful in the preparation of strategies for the management of Ashoka. The grouping of genotypes on the basis of their collection areas opens the window to perform future research for variations in the levels of bioactive compounds present in geographically distinct S. asoca genotypes of India.