Inter-population variation of chromosome and RAPD markers of Suaeda nudiflora (Willd.) Moq. a mangrove species in India

Abstract

Inter-population genetic diversity in Suaeda nudiflora, a mangrove, was investigated through RAPD and
chromosome analysis among five Indian populations. Somatic chromosome numbers 2n=36 reported for the first
time in population (Pop) I and Pop-II whereas in Pop-III, 2n=36 and 40 chromosomes. Pop-IV showed 2n=54
numbers from high saline environment while Pop -V showed 2n=40 chromosomes. 102 RAPD bands were
polymorphic out of a total 182 amplicons with an average of 3.64 bands per population per primer suggests
genetic divergence in inter-population level. The dendogram based on the RAPD analysis showed two broad
groups suggesting ecotypic adaptability in different saline habitat. The maximum overall relatedness of the popII with rest of four populations was 57% indicated by mean similarity while pop-IV revealed minimum mean
similarity of 49% suggesting new cytotypes formation. The probable mechanism of overcoming high salinity
stress by maintaining polyploidy (2n=54) is discussed.