Genetic diversity in thirty Indian potatoes were analyzed employing karyotype, genome size and RAPD markers. Chromosome analysis revealed 2n = 4x = 48 except cv. K. Chandramukhi (2n = 4x + 2 = 50). Total genomic chromosome length and chromosome volume varied from 21.14µm in cv. K. Pukhraj to 31.91µm in cv. MS/89-60 and 14.31µm³ in cv. MS/92-1090 to 33.16µm³ in cv. JW-160 respectively. 4C DNA content was significantly varied from 3.640 pg (~891 Mbp) in cv. MS/92-1090 to 11.12 pg (~2747 Mbp) in cv. K. Chandramukhi. RAPD revealed 131 amplified DNA fragments (300 to 2200 bp) with 79 unique bands (7 to 71% polymorphism) among the genotypes. Similarity coefficients (ranged from 0.29 to 0.93) and cluster analysis reflected the expected trends in relationships of the full and half-sib potato genotypes. Genetic distances obtained from a dendrogram could help breeders to choose the diverse parents for a breeding program aimed at varietal improvement.
4C DNA content; DNA markers; genotypes; potato; somatic chromosome
