Molecular characterization and genetic diversity analysis of turmeric genotypes using RAPD, ISSR and SSR markers

Abstract

Genetic diversity among fifteen turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes was assessed using three classes of molecular markers, namely Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 242 scorable alleles were generated using 31 RAPD primers, of which 216 alleles (89.26%) were polymorphic across the genotypes. Nineteen ISSR primers amplified 91 scorable alleles, with 69 alleles (75.82%) exhibiting polymorphism. Similarly, 38 SSR primer pairs produced 113 scorable alleles, of which 97 alleles (85.84%) were polymorphic. Several markers generated genotype-specific alleles that enabled clear discrimination among accessions. Among RAPD markers, primer OPL-12 produced an unique allele at 600 bp in Acc. 849 and Narendra Haldi 98, while OPB-8 amplified a distinct allele at 850 bp in SLP 389/1. In ISSR analysis, primer ISSR-05 differentiated CO-2 from other genotypes at 450 and 700 bp, UBC-851 distinguished SLP 389/1 (530 bp) and Punjab Haldi-1 (900 bp), and UBC-857 uniquely identified Punjab Haldi-1 at 500 bp. Among SSR markers, CLEST-7 and CUMISAT-19 uniquely distinguished IISR Prathibha at 160 bp and 190 bp, respectively; CUMISAT-10 identified SLP 389/1 at 200 bp; CLEST-8 differentiated IISR Prathibha and Duggirala Red at 200 bp; and CUMISAT-33 distinguished Acc. 849 and Narendra Haldi 98 at 220 bp. The high level of polymorphism detected across marker systems indicates substantial genetic variability among the turmeric genotypes. The identified polymorphic and genotype-specific markers are valuable tools for precise germplasm characterization, avoidance of duplication in collections, population genetic and breeding studies in turmeric.