Abstract

The objective of this study was to distinguish between males and females of jojoba (Simmondisia chinensis) using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in order to detect any DNA variation. A callus was produced from both male and female jojoba leaves, using MS medium with BA 0.5 and 2 to 4, D 2.5 mg/l respectively. Genomic DNA of jojoba plant was extracted using CTAB method. The concentration of DNA ranging between 100 to 150 µg with DNA purity ranging from 1.01 to 1.19. About 0.7 g of male and female plant leaves, and calli were used. Eight different random primers were evaluated for their usefulness in detecting DNA variation between male and female of jojoba. This involved optimization of RAPD reaction condition including, DNA template, Taq polymerase, and primers. Five primers showed no amplification and represent a mean of distinguishing between male and female. One primer (C5) showed amplification and represent a mean of distinguishing between the two sexes from the fresh sample tissue; the callus results show no significant difference. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using RAPD-PCR in distinguishing between jojoba sexes.

Key words: RAPD- PCR, Simmondsia chinensis, sex differentiation.