RESEARCH ARTICLE

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Punica granatum (L.) GERMPLASM IN SEVERAL MAJOR CULTIVATION AREAS OF SRI LANKA ASSESSED WITH ISSR MARKERS

Abstract

Punica granatum (L.) has been introduced to Sri Lanka long time ago and several introductions are possible. While it is now considered as a naturalized species, knowing genetic diversity is essential for crop improvement programs. In this study, we used inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) regions to assess genetic diversity among randomly selected pomegranate accessions grown in several major pomegranates growing areas of Sri Lanka. Sixtynine accessions collected were analyzed using fifteen ISSR primers. The percentage of polymorphic bands per primer varies from 93-27% with the average of about 52%. This suggests that comparatively higher degree of diversity exists among accessions. In the UPGMA dendrogram, about 65% of the samples collected from the Northern area clustered together, while the rest of those clustered mainly with samples collected from North Eastern region. These results imply some genetic similarity among those samples. However, analysis of molecular variance showed higher variation among samples collected from North and North Eastern region than between those and samples collected from Uva, Sothern and North Central areas. This information will be important in future germplasm conservation and breeding efforts.

Keywords: Punica granatum (L.), ISSR , Genetic diversity, Sri Lanka

How to Cite: Attanayake,S.R.M.R,Weerakkody,W.A.P,Ranil,R.H.G,Bandaranayake,P.C.G, (2016). GENETIC DIVERSITY OF Punica granatum (L.) GERMPLASM IN SEVERAL MAJOR CULTIVATION AREAS OF SRI LANKA ASSESSED WITH ISSR MARKERS.WILDLANKA, 4(3):Pages 106-116

Published On:2016-09-30

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