Molecular diversity analysis of rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) in different agroclimatic zones of Assam

Abstract

Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) is an important rootstock in Citrus group. Being indigenous to North-Eastern part of India, a wide variability has been observed in the region particularly in the state of Assam. However, not much evolved types have been reported in due course of time. SSR markers were used to find their molecular diversity and to document the different types. A total of fifty-four SSR markers were selected from different sources related to citrus species and analysed for eighteen rough lemon types collected from different agro-climatic zones of Assam. Forty-four markers showed polymorphism. Dendrogram showed clear evidence of two separate clusters at a level of approximately 60% dissimilarity. The similarity co-efficient was ranged from 0.04 to 0.58.  This study embarked the possibility of a particular group of germplasm with similar genetic nature comparatively resistant towards water stressed condition, which could be further selected for grafting or conservation studies.