Analysis of induced mutants of salinity resistant banana [Musa acuminata cv. Dwarf Cavendish] using morphological and molecular markers

ABSTRACT

Genetic diversity amongst 21 induced mutant clones tolerant to salinity along with one non-irradiated sensitive clone of banana [Musa acuminata cv. Dwarf Cavendish [AAA]] were studied using morphological and random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] markers. Out of the 30 phenotypic indices screened, 23 were polymorph and two traits, leaf habit and blotches color, were differentiated by non-irradiated clone. RAPDs established 106 major amplified products using 14 primers. Out of 106 markers, eight were monomorph, and the remaining [98] were polymorph. The extent of polymorphism indicated the existence of considerable variation DNA level within induced mutant clones. Primer OPA-02 revealed banding patterns specific to salinity resistant clones. Both morphological and RAPD analyses successfully detected genetic variation within induced mutant clones, RAPD also detected variation between the irradiated and non-irradiated clones, which were morphologically indistinguishable. Results were indicative that induced mutations bear a great potential in improving banana for salinity resistant