Exploring genetic diversity of yellow-berried night shade (Solanum virginianum L.) using genetic divergence and molecular markers

Abstract

The rationale of this research was to explore the genetic divergence of 54 kantakari accessions (Solanum virginianum L. syn. S. surattense Burm. f.), to identify their significant traits, and unravel their genetic variations. Kantakari is a widely used medicinal plant in traditional medicine worldwide and is also known for its allopathic properties. The morphological descriptors and molecular markers (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) used to characterize these samples revealed significant within-accession heterogeneity, indicating the possibility of future selection. Twenty-three morphological and biochemical features were examined to assess taxonomic traits. Accessions were classified into six clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics of 23 quantitative traits. Clusters V and VI had the largest intercluster distance (1183.81), whereas Cluster IV had the largest intracluster distance (D2 = 275.67) (Cluster V and VI). Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA marker amplification using 10 polymorphic primers revealed 79 alleles with an overall mean of 7.90 alleles per marker, with Polymorphism Information Content values varying from 0.11 to 0.37 (Mean = 0.30). Cluster assessment produced three distinct groups. In conclusion, the investigation underscores that substantial diversity was observed among the surveyed kantakari accessions. Using molecular markers in tandem with morphological characterization, presents a robust approach for elucidating the intricacies of species-specific genetic variation with greater accuracy and depth.