Identification of DNA polymorphism in cultivated groundnut using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay

Construction of a genetic linkage map is necessary to apply marker-assisted selection tools in a crop improvement program. Except for the recent studi es from two laboratories, most of the previous studies have shown little or no DNA polymorphism in cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). In the present study, 70 selected genotypes, representing variability for several morphological, physiological, and other characters, were studied for polymo rphism employing random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay with 48 olig onucleotide primers. Of the 48 oligonucleotide primers only 7 (14.6%) yield ed polymorphic amplification products. The total number of bands from the 7 primers was 408, of which 27 were polymorphic. Detection of polymorphism i n cultivated groundnut opens up the possibility of development of its molec ular map by judicious selection of genotypes that show DNA polymorphism. Th is approach will be useful for developing marker-assisted selection tools f or genetic enhancement of groundnut for desirable traits.