Electrophoresis of seed esterases and RAPD analysis for identification of hybrids and parental lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br)

The potentials of electrophoresis of seed esterases and RAPD analysis of ge nomic DNA were compared for identification of 24 genotypes of pearl millet including seven hybrids and their A, B and R lines (see Table 1). The genotypes could be divided into 8 groups by the banding pattern of este rases. Esterase profiles could also establish hybridity in two of the hybri ds. Thirty-one arbitrary primers from A, B and C series of Operon kit were scre ened to identify suitable primers for RAPD analysis. A combination of four primers (OPA4, OPA18, OPB12 and OPB18) could differentiate all 24 genotypes . RAPD analysis could also establish hybridity of four of the hybrids. The probability of identical match by chance between two genotypes was more with esterases (1.10 x 10(-1)) than with RAPD analysis (6.76 x 10(-13)) su ggesting that RAPDs are more polymorphic. A comparison of dendrograms obtai ned with esterases and RAPDs reveals that many of the genotypes were groupe d into the same cluster by both the analyses. There was a positive and sign ificant correlation (r=0.44**) between the genetic distances estimated by e sterase and RAPD profiles. Two keys were constructed: one based on esterases and RAPDs and the other b ased exclusively on RAPD profiles. Both the keys could identify all the gen otypes examined in this study except the A and B lines. The possible uses of these techniques for DUS testing for grant of Plant Va riety Protection and genetic purity testing are discussed.