Genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers in Tinospora cordifolia from the Rayalseema region in Andhra Pradesh

Tinospora cordifolia is a highly important medicinal plant in India, with a rich source of different secondary metabolites. In the present study, 12 samples of T. cordifolia (collected from different areas of Rayalseema region,Andhra Pradesh) were studied for genetic diversity using 15 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and eight inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Out of them, 10 RAPD and 5 ISSR primers showed 122 polymorphic reproducible bands across the selected 12 samples of T. cordifolia. The average polymorphic index content (PIC) of RAPD and ISSR values was 0.27 to 0.41 and 0.17 to 0.41, respectively. The PIC with RAPD markers was the highest for primers OPV 17 (0.41) and OPW 17(0.41) followed by the primer OPB 20 (0.40). The PIC with ISSR markers was the highest for the primer 824 (0.41) followed by primer 867 (0.36). Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis of genetic similarity indices grouped all the samples into two major clusters. Jacquard’s coefficient of similarity varied from 0.51 to 0.77, indicating high levels of genetic variation across genotypes under study. The result of this study can be used for characterization of potential T. cordifolia genetic resources and their utilization as breeding materials, micropropagation and secondary metabolites screening and harvesting. T. cordifolia, being a medicinal plant, is very useful for discovery of new lead molecules from this plant for drug discovery and development studies.   Key words: Tinospora cordifolia, genetic diversity, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR), unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA).