Correlation of morphological traits with molecular markers in radish (Raphanus sativus)

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an important vegetable crop in Asia. Lack of uniformity in the crop at harvest is due to genetic variability and environmental conditions. Molecular markers associated with morphological traits of seed and seedlings were identified. Seed ( 100) of radish cvv. Fire Ball and Long White Chinese from Australia and Mino Early, Pyuthane Red, Tokinasi, White Neck and 40 Days from Nepal. The seed was germinated between paper ( 20 degreesC, 6 days) and seedlings were grown in pots under glasshouse conditions ( 20 degreesC, further 3 weeks). Morphological characters were measured in seed and seedlings at 6 days and 4 weeks after germination. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from selected samples and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA ( RAPD) markers were identified using 10 primers. Multivariate analysis based on principle coordinates analysis was used to correlate morphological traits with molecular markers within and across cultivars. Several markers associated with high or low seed weight, germination proportion, seedling length and fresh weight were identified. This new method for identifying potential RAPD markers may be useful for marker assisted breeding and selection of improved radish varieties.