Analysis of Genetic Variability in Rice Varieties (Oryza sativa L) of Kerala using RAPD Markers

The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of eight different varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa) viz., MO 16, Ptb 43, Palakkaddan Matta, Ptb 40, MO 17, MO 6, Ptb 39 and KTR 2 from Kerala state, South India were analyzed by Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Out of twenty 10-mer RAPD primers screened initially, eleven were chosen and used in a comparative analysis of different varieties of rice. Of the 101 total RAPD fragments amplified, 28 (27.72%) were found to be shared by individuals of all eight varieties. The remaining 73 fragments were found to be polymorphic (72.27%). The average gene diversity or heterozygosity for over all varieties was 0.224. This Study offered a rapid and reliable method for the estimation of variability between different accessions which could be utilized by the breeders for further improvement of the local rice varieties.