Molecular characterization of selected somaclones in ginger using RAPD markers

Twelve selected somaclones of ginger cultivars Maran and Rio-de-Janeiro were characterised using RAPD markers. Five primers of the series OPAH and OPP gave good DNA amplification. The primer OPAH 3 exhibited highest polymorphism (33.75%). The molecular characterisation of somaclones revealed the occurrence of genetic variability in the clones evaluated. The extent of genetic variation was more in somaclones of cultivar Maran than clones of cultivar Rio-de-Janeiro. Genetic variation from the source parent cultivar was also more in somaclones of cultivar Maran.