Rice varietal identification by isozyme analysis

The investigation was carried out involving characterization of ten rice varieties cultivated in the Kashmir valley on the basis of morpho-agronomic characters and biochemical marker system. Marked differences were developed among the ten varieties on the basis of plant morphology. The alkaline PAGE of three isozymes (esterase, peroxidase and malate dehydrogenase) showed considerable polymorphism whereas, one isozyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) showed little polymorphism. Dendrogram of isozyme data revealed the overall differences existing in the rice varieties. The possible application of these markers for differentiation and identification of closely related rice varieties is discussed.