Genetic diversity was assessed among 53 Indian garlic accessions using SSR markers. Initially, 24 SSR primer pairs were used for screening three selected garlic accessions. Out of 24 SSR primer pairs, 10 primer pairs which consistently showed good amplification and polymorphism were selected for DNA profiling. SSR primer pairs showed PIC values ranging from 0.30 to 0.99. Based on AMOVA we found that the greater part of the genetic diversity was expected due to intra population with 84% variation and only 16% of variation was due to among populations suggesting presence of genetic structure. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis largely correspond to each other. Population structure analysis revealed genetic differentiation of accessions. The results of present study revealed existence of significant variability in Indian garlic germplasm.
Keywords: Allium sativum; Garlic; PCA; Population structure; SSR; UPGMA.