Applicability of Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers in assessing genetic diversity in Crepidium acuminatum (D. Don) Szlach

Crepedium acuminatum is extensively used in the Indian traditional system of medicine and being over-harvested from natural habitats which have caused great damage to its population and species diversity. Despite its high medicinal importance, not much information is available on its genetic and conservation studies. The present study focuses on assessing the genetic diversity and population structure of C. acuminatum from the Middle and Lower Himalayas. Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers were used to assess the diversity within- and among all the populations. Thirteen SCoT primers amplified 73 fragments with 97.26 % polymorphism, whereas, 10 ISSR primers amplified 45 fragments with 91.83 % polymorphism. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed higher intra-population (SCoT + ISSR = 61 %) than inter-population diversity (SCoT + ISSR = 39 %). Maximum diversity was observed using SCoT and ISSR markers in the populations from Uttarakhand (Tehri and Gothura respectively) and the least diversity was recorded in populations from Himachal Pradesh (Solan and Kasauli respectively). Grouping patterns obtained by STRUCTURE analysis separated populations collected from North and Northeast India into different groups. Genetic diversity and population structure were found to be directly correlated to the altitudinal range and anthropogenic activities. The results showed usefulness of dominant markers in genetic diversity assessment and conservation of C. acuminatum.