Abstract

Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers was used to detect somaclonal genetic variations between in vitro and in vivo grown tissues of Silybum “S. marianum”. Ten primers (OPC1-OPC10) of RAPD OPC were used. All the primers gave reproducible banding pattern except OPC3. Monomorphic bands were observed in case of all primers, whereas only OPC10 generated different banding pattern among the samples of S. marianum. OPC 10 produced ten unique bands in each sample ranging in size from 200 - 1000 bp. On the basis of the results obtained, it was observed that genetic variation is present in different samples of S. marianum and RAPD technique can be used to detect genetic similarities and dissimilarities between in vitro- and in vivo-grown tissues of S. (S.) marianum.

Key words: RAPD, regeneration, Silybum, somaclonal variation, thistle.