Genetic diversity in Indian ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) accessions as revealed by quantitative traits and RAPD markers

In present study, an attempt has been made to assess the genetic diversity among 34 accessions of Benincasa hispida using quantitative traits and RAPD data. Variability was observed for characters like days to first female flower, fruit weight, equatorial and polar diameter. Cluster analysis based on quantitative traits revealed a high degree of diversity among the accessions. RAPD-based dendrogram showed dissimilarity values 0.64-0.943 suggesting that the accessions represent a genetically diverse population. A non-significant correlation was observed between the clustering based on quantitative traits and RAPD markers. But the accessions like IVAG-107 and IVAG-81 clearly separated from rest of the accessions based on the quantitative traits and as well as RAPD primers. Both the dendrogram revealed that the accessions from northeastern region of India are diverse from the accessions of other parts of India, as they cluster together in both the dendrogram. The information generated could be utilized in developing cultivars/hybrids for specific traits.