DNA markers for testing distinctness of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties

Distinctness of sir fine-grained aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties teas established using RAPD and SSR markers. A combination of 5 random prim ers yielded sufficient polymorphism to distinguish each of the sir varietie s, and similarity indices were similar to those calculated for a set of to RAPD primers. SSRs revealed 2 to 3 alleles at each of the three loci analys ed, which, in combination, could also distinguish the sir varieties tinder study. Intra-varietal homogeneity with respect to RAPD markers was studied by single plant analysis of one variety Pusa Basmati-1 with 9 selected prim ers. Fairly uniform results were obtained except with two primers OPB01 and OPB05, in which 2 and 3 variants were seen. However, an analysis of the se lfed progenies of these plants did not exhibit similar variability thus sug gesting that these were not true variants. An overall stability was seen in the amplification patterns of the parent and the progeny. This study revea led that DNA markers can be useful in DUS testing of closely related rice v arieties.