Evaluation of genetic diversity in five species of Ocimum by SDSPAGE

Abstract

In India Ocimum (family : Lamiaceae; commonly known as basil and rich source of essential oil) is represented by only 6 species [1] and the species are classified into two broad groups viz., Basilicum and Sanctum on the basis of morphological and cytological characters [2]. However, standard morphological markers may not always be adequate because of the wide spectrum of phenotypic variation and their interaction with environment [3]. Further, interspecific hybridization and polyploidy, common occurrences within the genus, have created taxonomic confusion for proper identification of the species [4]. In such instances electrophoretic banding patterns of seed protein can be used effectively to decipher interrelationships between genotypes [5]. SDS-PAGE of seed protein has also been successfully used to assess the genetic diversity [6], breeding endeavour [7] and hybrid identification [8]. In the present study, five species of Ocimum were characterized using seed protein polymorphism derived from electrophoretic banding patterns.