Development of PCR-based DNA markers for identification of hybrids of Tor putitora and Tor khudree

The genetic identification and characterization of Tor putitota, Tor khudree and their hybrids hold profoundsignificance in both fundamental biological exploration and practical domains like conservation biology andfisheries management. This study endeavors to establish a panel of PCR-based DNA markers capable ofaccurately discerning between T. putitora, T. khudree, and their hybrid counterparts. Controlled conditionswere employed to generate hybrids of T. putitora and T. khudree, serving to validate the developed markers.For hybrid identification, primers were devised targeting the nuclear DNA region of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S rRNA.Post-optimization, the primers MHITSF and MH28SR yielded 700 bp and 500 bp amplicons for pure Torkhudree and Tor putitora, respectively. Remarkably, Tor putitora X Tor khudree hybrids displayed both 700 bpand 500 bp amplicons. These markers present a valuable tool for screening mahseer hybrids, therebyenhancing their management and conservation prospects.