Evaluation of Genetic Diversity amongthe Pakistani Wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) Lines through Random Molecular Markers

ABSTRACT The presence of geneticdiversity is of great importance in improving wheat traits and developing strategies for optimal conservation of germplasm. Genetic diversity was assessed among common wheat cultivars using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers at the Center of Agriculture, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. RAPD primers were used among 14 Pakistani wheat cultivars, to screen the progenies and for the identification of the genes of interest. The polymorphic information content (PIC), was measured as the percentage of polymorphic fragments for all primers. A total of 583 bands(84% polymorphic) in all 14 wheat cultivars was amplified and discriminated all the wheat genotypes. The number of fragments amplified per primer ranged from 35 to 69 with an average of 48.52 fragments per primer averagely was observed. Population structure analysis anddandrogram showed distinct clustering among different wheat genotypes. Millat-11, Punjab-11, PBW-222 generated the maximum level of polymorphism, standing alone in the cluster while others are scatteredin different group.As a result, genetically numerous progenies are known, increasing the quality of sorts collections by broadening the genetic base of wheat cultivars. This study additionally indicates that RAPD markers allow quicker response and provide high throughputprocedure of accessions from a variety assortment to assess genetic diversity among wheat genotypes