Performance of short duration rice mutants and assessment of genetic diversity using RAPD and ISSR markers

Abstract Eleven short duration rice mutants along with their parent (Mandakini) and three standard checks (Jogesh, Nilagiri and Annapurna) were evaluated in the field. ORT 11, ORT 30 and ORT 35 out yielded significantly (>3250kg/ha) as compared to the parent (2830kg/ha) and also the best standard check variety Annapurna (2950q/ha). High yield performance of the aforesaid mutants were associated with high tiller number, number of grains/panicle, grain weight, and fertility percentage. 13 RAPD and 11 ISSR primers revealed 78.32% and 96.55% polymorphism respectively across the test genotypes and primers. RAPD had shown comparatively high genomic homology, whereas ISSR revealed divergent genotype pair with similarity coefficient value as low as 0.20 between Annapurna and Mandakini followed by Annapurna and ORT 30; and Annapurna and ORT 15.. The mutant ORT 38 and variety Jogesh clubbed together and could not be distinguished from each other at even 100% phenon level using RAPD markers. However, ISSR alone as well as the combined analysis could discriminate such genotypes. Considering the level of polymorphism, similarity coefficient value and clustering pattern; ISSR markers are preferred as these are comparatively more informative and potent enough for study of genetic diversity than RAPD markers. The genotype-specific RAPD and ISSR profiles would help to certify the genetic make up in rice genotypes.