GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) GENOTYPES USING SSR MARKERS

Abstract

The cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plays a vital role in global agriculture and food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the molecular genetic diversity of this crop is crucial for effective breeding and conservation strategies. This study employed ten polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers to assess the genetic variation among fourteen cultivated groundnut genotypes, comprising five local and nine improved varieties. A total of 71 polymorphic bands were generated across the genotypes, with a high average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.88 and gene diversity value of 1.50, indicating substantial allelic variation. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that 75% of the total genetic variation existed within individuals, while 16% and 9% were attributed to variation among populations and among individuals, respectively. These findings demonstrate a high level of genetic diversity among the groundnut genotypes at the molecular level and underscore the potential of SSR markers in guiding the selection of genetically diverse parental lines for breeding programs. The study provides a robust molecular foundation for improving genetic gains and ensuring the sustainable conservation of groundnut germplasm.

Keywords:

Arachis hypogaea, Genetic Diversity, SSR Markers, Polymorphic Information Content, AMOVA, Molecular Characterization