Molecular markers assisted DNA polymorphism: Implications in mangrove research

Abstract

Mangroves are defined as woody, evergreen group of plant community; grow on the swampy substrate at tropical and sub-tropical habitatsadjusted to high salinity, periodical tidal influence, strong winds, high temperatures, high precipitation and anaerobic soils. They possessunique morphological and physiological adaptive features to cope with these extreme conditions. Mangrove vegetation is the cradle of several marine fauna and provides first line of defense against devastating sea surges, typhoon, tsunami, etc. However, since industrial era, many of the mangrove members were affected by several environmental constrains and anthropogenic activities that raised the sea level, lowered sweet water influx from the adjacent rivers and encroachment for the new settlement formation, increasing salinity. Hence, mangrove restoration program is the front line topic of interest to the plant biologists across the tropical and subtropical world since it has a productive and protective role for the inhabitants. Sound knowledge of molecular characteristic of the individual taxa will be provide an advantage for this initiative.Recent advancement in molecular markers based on the PCR technique techniqueswill enhance the knowledge about genetic background of each individual taxon, ultimately leading to valid guided references towards the understanding the inherent nature of the plant itself and beneficial to proper restoration program.