Abstract

The genetic similarity among 12 accessions of Melocanna baccifera from Mizoram in India was tested using RAPD and ISSR markers. RAPD and ISSR DNA profile shows high polymorphism of DNA fragments. Genetic similarity among accessions was calculated according to Dice similarity coefficient; the mean level of genetic similarity with populations of M. baccifera by using RAPD and ISSR markers were 0.600 and 0.650, respectively. The similarity coefficients were then used to construct a dendrogram using the UPGMA cluster analysis. Cluster analysis base on Dice coefficient shows two major groups. Mantel test revealed the different distribution pattern of the polymorphism between RAPD and ISSR markers and the correlation coefficient (r) was found as r = 0.1902.

Key words: Melocanna baccifera, ISSR, RAPD, genetic similarity.