Abstract

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic variation in different populations of Trichodesma indicum (family - Boraginaceae), a useful medicinal herb. 50 plants were collected from 4 different locations of Chhattisgarh, one location of Madhya Pradesh and in vitro regenerated plants. Genetic variation was detected among the populations and within each population including micropropagated plants regenerated from zygotic embryos. 20 primers generated a total of 121 polymorphic bands out of 125 total bands (96.8% polymorphism), with an average of 6.05 amplified bands per primer. The results reveal very high level of genetic diversity in the species.

Key words: Boraginaceae, polymorphism, in vitro, RAPD, amplification.