Molecular Characterization of Melia dubia Cav.: Insights from Natural Populations in South Gujarat, India

Melia dubia, a short rotational agroforestry tree species, has earned wide fame among farmers of India for its apparent monetary benefits. To gain firsthand knowledge about population structure and diversity, unexplored naturally occurring four populations of this species are being examined in India's northernmost Western Ghats region. Our approach used assessment based on molecular analysis using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. RAPD profiling suggested moderate gene diversity (PPL= 52.54-59.32 %, H= 0.16-0.21) and genetic differentiation (GST=0.11) but high gene flow (Nm=4.22) among populations. Most genetic differentiation (96%) was ascribed within-population. The close range of Nei’s genetic identity coefficient (0.955-0.973) among populations confirmed a limited gene pool of this species. Divulgence of narrow genetic base warrants immediate measures for in-situ conservation of M. dubia in the northernmost Western Ghats region. Waghai and Nanapondha appeared to be the most genetically diverse among the populations. Therefore, they should be prioritised as a seed source for artificial regeneration.