Genetic diversity study of two different species of oil palm (Elaeis oleifera and Elaeis guineensis) using RAPD and SSR markers

A total of 40 oil palms belonging to two species [23 oleifera (Elaeis oleifera HBK. Cortes) and 17 guineensis (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)] from four different accessions, developed at Palode, Keralawas analyzed using ten random primers (39 markers) and eight microsatellite primers (11 markers) for genetic diversity. Similarity values (utilizing UPGMA method of analysis) between individuals ranged from 0.44 to 1.00, from 0.64 to 1.00 and from 0.48 to 0.98 in RAPD, SSR and RAPD & SSR combined analysis respectively, which indicates low genetic diversity in the population. A dendrogram derived from UPGMA cluster analysis revealing two major clusters each for RAPD, SSR and RAPD & SSR combined analysis, at minimum coefficient values of (0.700-0.750), 0.710 and 0.638 respectively. The dendrogram exhibited different clustering pattern for RAPD and SSR as the loci covered by the RAPD were different from the loci covered by SSR and coverage of loci by both DNA markers were comparatively less. During the investigation, a particular RAPD primer, OPP-8 was identified to differentiate oleifera and guineensis palms based on marker OPP-8.6. This work provided valuable information and revealed patterns of genetic relationships between important oleifera and guineensis palms, which can be used in oil palm breeding in inter- and intra-specific hybridization programmes