Population analysis of media azesarach L. by RAPD markers in the region of rajasthan

Abstract

Melia azedarach L is ecologically imperative species growing in Thar Desert. Biological effects such as antiviral, anthelminthic, antibacterial, etc. makes it important, yet a little is known about its genetic diversity and structure. In this study, we employed 30 RAPD primers for DNA profiling of 91 individuals representing 8 geographically isolated populations. A total of 98 bands were scored with an average of 3.2 bands per primer. The PIC ranged from 0.0681 to 0.5351 with an average of 0.4103. Nei's genetic diversity (h) and Shannon's information index (I) ranged from 0.1237 to 0.2375 and 0.1845 to 0.3500 respectively with average Nei'sgenetic diversity of 0.2570. The gene flow (Nm) 0.9295 and the genetic diversity of 0.3498 at species level demonstrated overall high level of genetic diversity. Cladistics analysis using DARwin and Bayesian cluster analysis using STRUCTURE placed 44 individuals into two main clusters or original genetic stocks (K = 2) which show little or no association with the geographic origin. The lack of clear assignment of individuals to geographical regions of sampling and consideration of different populations in the same genetic cluster suggests a recent common evolutionary history. M. azedarach is a good reforestation tree because of its fast growth and drought hardy nature. This study adds a foundation for more precise inference about the biogeography and management in the reforestation projects in the Thar Desert.