INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INDUCED MUTANTS IN JASMINUM AURICULATUM USING SSR MARKERS

Abstract

Mutation breeding is an effective approach for enhancing genetic variability in vegetatively propagated crops such as jasmine. The present study aimed to assess molecular and biochemical variability among putative mutants of Jasminum auriculatum derived from the cultivars CO.1 Mullai and Muthu Mullai. Molecular diversity was analyzed using six Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, of which four markers (Js035, Js041, Js042 and Js063) exhibited polymorphism, while two markers (Js033 and Js055) were monomorphic. The polymorphism revealed moderate genetic variability among the mutants. Biochemical analysis indicated significant variation in chlorophyll content, total phenols, soluble proteins, total soluble sugars and IAA oxidase activity. Notably, early flowering and high-yielding mutants exhibited increased soluble protein and sugar content, suggesting enhanced metabolic activity and growth potential. The integration of molecular marker analysis with biochemical profiling proved effective in identifying genetically diverse and physiologically superior mutants. These mutants can serve as valuable genetic resources for future jasmine breeding and crop improvement programmes.