ISSR marker based genetic diversity in Morinda spp. for its enhanced collection, conservation and utilization

Morinda (Rubiaceae) is considerably recognized for its multiple uses viz. food, medicine, dyes, firewood, tools, oil, bio-sorbent etc. The molecular characterization of such an important plant would be very useful multifarious enhanced utilization. In the present study, 31 genotypes belonging to two different species citrifolia L. and tomentosa B. Heyne exRoth collected from regions India were investigated using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Fifteen ISSR primers generated 176 bands with average 11.7 per primer, which (90.34%) polymorphic. percentage polymorphic bands, mean Nei’s gene diversity Shannon’s information index in M. was [(69.89%, 30.68%); (0.21 ± 0.19, 0.12 0.20) (0.32 0.27 0.17 0.28)] respectively, revealing higher polymorphism genetic compared citrifolia. These rich can evaluated nutraceutical, nutritional other nonfood purposes identify trait specific markers based Structure, UPGMA cluster analysis placed into well-defined separate clusters. Further, distinct ecotypes within a particular could also inferred. Priority identified earmarked exploration collecting substantial number ex-situ conservation. In-situ conservation hotspots preserve their natural habitats vis-à-vis evolution increased adaptation newer respect changing environment emphasized.