Assessment of Genetic Diversity of 12 Populations of <i>Azadirachta Indica</i> A.<i> Juss</i> From Three Different Locations In Lagos State, Nigeria Using RAPD Markers

Abstract

Background: The beneficial effects of plant materials typically result from the combination of secondary products present in the plant. Neem tree is a common source of natural products for development of medicines against
various diseases.
Objective: This study was aimed at determining the genetic relatedness of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) collected from three locations in Lagos State.
Methods: Leave samples were collected and DNA was extracted using Dellarporta method with modifications. Several random amplified  polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers were screened for polymorphism and
amplifications and only six that showed good amplifications and polymorphism were selected for DNA amplification.
Results: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) produced a total of 51 bands from 6 primers. Primer AC07 gave the highest numbers of polymorphic bands (12) while AG1 produced the least with 5 polymorphic bands when the products were run on agarose gel. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram generated, grouped the samples into one single cluster with two major subgroups. The 12 populations showed no variation in their genomic composition based on their location.
Conclusion: This is an indication of homogeneity in the population of neem plants collected from different locations with a possible consistency in pharmacological activities if investigated.

Key Words: Azadirachta, RAPD, Neem, UPGMA