Genetic variability in Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) from Madhya Pradesh, India by random amplified polymorphic DNA

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic diversity in Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) an important medicinal plant collected from 7 different locations covering Madhya Pradesh. High level of genetic similarity was observed in the collected accessions. 4 random primers generated a total 39 polymorphic bands out of the total 71 bands. A low genetic diversity among the A. racemosus samples was revealed by RAPD analysis. Cluster analysis based on dice coefficient showed 2 major groups. This distributive pattern of genetic variation of A. racemosus accessions provides important baseline data for conservation and collection strategies for this species.