Abstract

Ahsan Iqbal , Sehar Nawaz, Allah Ditta Babar, Shazia Anwer Bukhari, Muhammad Amjad,M. Ahsan Khan, Sohail Ahmed Khan and Nisar Ahmed

Linum usitatissimum, L. accessions were analyzed using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers to assess the genetic variability among 20 genotypes. For optimization of sampling, development of appropriate breeding strategy and estimation of genetic diversity RAPD is an efficient and cost effective molecular tool. Different primers were used for the analysis yielding a total of 83 loci, out of which 51 were polymorphic, showing 64% of overall polymorphism. A dendrogram was generated based on the similarity matrix by the Un weighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), wherein the flax genotypes were grouped in five major clusters. The maximum similarity was observed between genotypes V-38 and V40 (98.8%). While the most diverse genotypes were V-28 and V-21 (71.08%). Analysis has given no evidential grouping based on straight pedigrees relationships, but wider genetic background of genotype can be seen. The most diverse genotypes were identified and suggested their use in breeding programs and mapping the linseed genetic pool.