Isozyme Variation and Genetic Relationships among Three Plumbago Species

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to understand the genetic affinities and variation among three Plumbago species by means of isoenzyme viz., esterase, peroxidase, poly phenol oxidase and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism using Eco RI, Hind III and Bam HI. Each and every species expressed their similarities and variation by the presence and absence of their banding profiles in the gel system. A total of 32 bands were observed in the isozyme system of Plumbago species. The RFLP profile of the Plumbago species showed seven bands in three active zones / regions. The cladogram shown that two clusters, of which cluster 2 includes only one species viz., P. auriculata showed 100% of divergence with other two species. Cluster 1 (C₁) showed two nodal (N) branches (C₁N¹ and C₂N²). C₁N¹ was P. zeylanica and C₁N² was P. rosea.