Evaluating Genetic Diversity Within Genus Jasminum L. (Oleaceae) Using Intersimple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) Marker

Jasmines are an important group of plants extensively used in the perfumery industry, preparation of garland and for ornamental purposes. To analyze the genetic potential of the group, the authors evaluated its genetic diversity. Intersimple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic diversity among 40 accessions of 23 Jasminum species including six endemic species. The present study is the first report of the efficacy of 10 shortlisted ISSR markers out of 30 primers screened. Among 23 Jasminum species, J. bignoniaceum revealed maximum genetic diversity and Shannon’s Index. Results revealed that the accessions of Jasminum species are grouped into three major clades, showing close agreement with the morphological relatedness. The diversity analysis also showed that the members of section Alternifolia are the ancestor to the rest of the Jasminum spp. The study provides direction for the future population study on Jasminum spp. This is the first report on the genetic diversity assessment of Indian Jasminum spp. incorporating approximately 50% species.