TITLE:
The RAPD techniques used to assess the genetic diversity in Draba dorneri, a critically endangered plant species
AUTHORS:
Rodica Catană, Monica Mitoi, Roxana Ion
KEYWORDS:
Draba dorneri; RAPD Techniques; Genetic Diversity; Endemic Plant Species; Retezat Mountains
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology,
Vol.4 No.2,
February
28,
2013
ABSTRACT: A successful management and preservation of the
natural populations is depending on accurate assessment of genetic diversity.
Knowledge of genetic diversity within a population is important for the conservation of the species. Our aim was to assess the genetic diversity in Draba dorneri Heuff. population (Brassicaceae family)—an endemic plant
species of conservative interest using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA
(RAPD) technique. The plant species is strictly protected at national level as
well as at international level through “Convention on the Conservation of
European Wildlife and Natural Habitats”, Bern, 1979 European Council. In this
study, a total of 52 primers were scored initially. A total of 77 repro- ducible
bands with an average of 6.41 bands per primer were obtained from the 12
primers selected. A cluster analysis (UPGAMA) was used to generate a dendrogram
based on Dice coefficient. We found 67% similarity between the samples from the
two analyzed slopes. Comparing with other rare plants species, our data
revealed a higher level of genetic diversity in D. dorneri population in Retezat Mountains.