Genetic variability among Coleus sp studied by RAPD banding pattern analysis

Abstract

Genetic improvement of the medicinal plants depends upon the existence, nature and extent of the genetic variability available for manipulation. Genetic analysis with RAPD markers has been extensively used to determine genetic diversity among Coleus sp and to identify the best quality for human consumption for its medicinal purpose. The objectives of the present study were to assess molecular variation among C.amboinicus, C.aromaticus and C.forskohlii. and to determine the level of genetic similarity among them. We performed random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis on three strains of Coleus sp. Random primers were used for the PCR. Electrophoresis on denaturing acrylamide gels improved RAPD reproducibility and increased the band number. The primer OPW 6 and OPW 7 gave reproducible results and the band profiles.