Genetic diversity in commercial varieties of chilli as revealed by RAPD method

The study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity of ten different commercial varieties of chilli using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The DNA extracted by CTAB method from the leaf sample was amplified by successive PCR cycles. Using 12 different primers, the amplified DNA solution was subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis. Around 500 different bands were observed under UV light. Seven were polymorphic for a specific primer and can be used as differential markers. This effort can serve determining genetic diversity among ten commercial varieties of chilli in India.