Diversity analysis of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng in Kerala through phytochemical and genetic profiling

Abstract

The research work entitled ―Diversity analysis of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng in Kerala through phytochemical and genetic profiling‖ was carried out at Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology Division, and Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Division of KSCSTE-JNTBGRI, Palode, during 2019-2020. Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.is the leafy spice plant commonly known as curry leaf. The plant, belonging to the family Rutaceae, is native to India, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries. It is widely used for culinary purposes and medicinal purposes in Ayurveda. To find the diversity within species through phytochemical and genomic analysis level, different accessions were collected from various biogeographical regions, seasons and different maturity stages. The essential oil was isolated from the samples by hydrodistillation using Clevenger type apparatus, and the oils were analyzed using GCMS. The results show considerable variation in the oil yield in different seasons, maturity stages and biogeography. Total oil yield varies from 0.10%v/w to 0.48%v/w. From this study, the major compounds were identified as E-caryophyllene, β-phellandrene, E-β- ocimene, α-humulene, α-selinene and α-pinene. Accession collected from Kannur was distinct from other accessions in statistical analysis. Seasonal variation analysis revealed that the oil yield was higher in the rainy season. Further, mature leaves possess a higher amount of essential oil compared to younger leaves. Genetic diversity was checked by isolating DNA from samples taken from various locations of Kerala and their diversity is analyzed by SCoT Primer PCR amplification. The SCoT markers showed an average of 92.96% polymorphism. This study provides a diversity profile of Murraya koenigii in Kerala. It can be further elaborated by analyzing more number of plant samples and soil samples from different places to develop a variety of high volatile content yield for farmers.