33-38Cross-species amplification of microsatellite loci is a time saving
as well as a cost-effective approach for developing locus specific markers for
new species. In an attempt to reveal the genetic variation in different
accessions of Asparagus racemosus, chloroplast microsatellite primer
pairs developed for Acorus calamus (Acoraceace)
were examined for cross-species amplification and validation in A. racemosus. Out of the 18 microsatellite primer
pairs screened, 5 i.e. 27.77% (AC-03; AC-05; AC-09; AC-13 and AC-17) yielded
good cross-species amplification across 20 different individuals of A.
racemosus. These cpSSR markers comprise 1-dinucleotide repeat type;
2-trinucleotide and 2-tetranucleotide repeat types. The product size of the
amplified cpSSR primers ranged between 180 and 337 bp. All the 5
cross-amplified cpSSR markers were found polymorphic across the 20 individuals
of A. racemosus. Besides this an
easy and competent protocol for the extraction of high quality genomic DNA
in A. racemosus for the PCR-based microsatellite marker analysis has
been also reported. The DNA extraction
protocol involved a modification of CTAB procedure given by Stange et al, which includes the use of high
concentrations of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), addition of 8 M lithium chloride in extraction buffer; a repeated
chloroform:isoamyl alcohol step and washing of DNA pellets with the wash buffer
and with the 80% ethanol. The developed protocol yielded approximately ~77.30
μg DNA per 100 mg plant tissue with the
purity ratio of ~1.85 at A260/A280 nm wavelength. Following
the protocol and using the primers, genetic diversity analysis in A.
racemosus was carried out