Genetic Diversity Study among Chickpea Genotypes Exploiting RAPD and SSR Markers

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the major grain legume crops in the world especially in the Indian sub-continent. In this study, the genetic diversity of 07 chickpea genotypes was investigated by RAPD and SSR DNA markers. Molecular analysis of chickpea using molecular marker has been carried out to identify the diverse genetic base of the genotypes for precision breeding. Genetic diversity analysis among chickpea genotypes was carried out by using 22 primers comprising 10 RAPD and 12 SSR markers. RAPD primers could produce 55.66% polymorphism with an average PIC value 0.58. Whereas, SSR primers could produce 19.44% polymorphism with an average PIC value 0.54.The dendrogram analysis categorized 07 genotypes of chickpea into four distinct clusters. The combined marker system (RAPD and SSR) could estimate genetic diversity among chickpea genotypes in range between 8% to 28%.The pair of genotype PKV Kabuli 4 and BDNG-K-798 was found genetically more distant, whereas genotypeBDNG-K-798and Cripa was found genetically very close to each other. This study could reveal the utility of RAPD and SSR marker system for selection of effective genomic combinations towards implementation of future chickpea breeding programme.