Isozyme Polymorphism and Genetic Diversity Among Swertia Species Endangered Medicinal Plants of Himalayas

Abstract

Esterase, catalase, peroxidase and malate dehydrogenase banding patterns offive different species of Swertia (Family - Gentianaceae) were analyzed in five species viz.- S. chirata, S. bimaculata, S. cordata. S. peniculata and S. petiolata. All the isozymes tested, showed remarkable variation in electrophoretic banding pattern on PAGE among different species and within species as well. The implications of the findings with reference to genetic diversity and the usefulness of the isozyme technique for germplasm characterization have been discussed. Key Words: