Identification and optimization of ISSR primers for analysis of genetic variability among different landrace collections of Indian sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.)

Luffa cylindrica L. or sponge gourd is an economically important horticultural crop from Indian origin and belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It has extremely variable characteristics like fruit shape, size, quality etc. Though, the genetic variety and population structure in Luffa species is not well implicited neither previously reported accurately. Thus, present work aims to optimize methodology for identification of genetic diversity and population structure among its different varieties and landrace assortments using PCR based (ISSR) markers. The study will help us in designing investigation for large scale characterization of genetic variability across different L. cylindrica. germplasm plus gene pool which could benefit breeding programs. In the present work ISSR markers were used in genetic profiling of 58 sponge gourd accessions using five selected ISSR primers. The landrace collection which were giving maximum amplification were then phylogenetically analyzed to identify their closest relationship with other varieties of Sponge gourd. The three landrace (Luffa-886, Luffa-889 and Luffa-890) germplasm were carefully chosen based on their polymorphic results and phylogenetic relationship were established. This study also provides information for Luffa genotypes, as well as the polymorphic markers identified could be available for the study of landmarks in linkages, evolutionary history and marker-assisted selection in Luffa species.