Genetic diversity analysis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plantago ovata</Emphasis> and some of its wild allies using RAPD markers

Plantago ovata, commonly called as the 'desert Indian wheat' is a cultivated and economically important plant of the genus Plantago, a large genus containing ~200 species. It yields Psyllium (Isabgol) which has several health benefits and applications in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. In view of the genetic uniformity, detection of variability has remained a challenge in this species as the plant lacks inherent variability and has a narrow genetic base. During the present study, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to determine genetic relationship and detect whatever little hidden variation exists in this species and some of its wild allies. Limited genetic variability was observed in P. ovata whereas; extensive genetic variability was seen in its wild allies. The genetic distances among different accessions of P. ovata and different species of Plantago, were used to generate a dendrogram.