Evaluation of Genetic Variability in Adansonia digitata L. by RAPD Analysis

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) belonging to Bombacaceae family, is one of the most widely used indigenous tree species in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of the present study was to assess molecular variation among A. digitata and to determine the level of genetic similarity among them. The yield of DNA ranged from 15-40 µg/mg of leaf tissue and the purity was between 1.1- 2.9, indicating minimal levels of contaminating metabolites. The technique was ideal for isolation of DNA from A. digitata and the DNA isolated was used for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using the primer OPB07. The bands obtained ranged in size from 54-795 bp. Two clusters were observed, one group with 8 bands and the other with 11 bands. Present study could be important in domestication, conservation, management & improvement strategies of A. digitata.