Genetic diversity of conserved West African plantain (Musa spp.) using simple sequence repeat markers

Assessment of the genetic diversity of germplasm is essential for sound germplasm management and its successful utilization in breeding programs. This study aimed to estimate genetic diversity among plantain accessions and establish relationships among the genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. SSR markers amplified ۲۱ alleles, ۳.۵۰ alleles per locus, and major allele frequency (mean ± SD, ۰.۸۰ ± ۰.۳۴) across the ۲۰ plantain accessions. The polymorphic information content (PIC) and Shannon's diversity index ranged from ۰.۰۵۴ to ۰.۹۱۹ and ۰.۰۰۰ to ۱.۸۶۴, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that ۸۸% genetic variation occurred among genotypes within populations, with minimal variation observed between populations. This resulted in Nei genetic distance and FST values being negligible when distinguishing the populations. The gene flow rate unequivocally demonstrated the efficacy of employing co-dominant markers, as evidenced by both the Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and the dendrogram. This study revealed a clear-cut genetic variation among the ۲۰ plantain accessions across plantain populations and established new cluster groups, providing valuable insights for future use in breeding programs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Musa spp ، SSR markers ، Genetic diversity ، Genetic Relationship ، Gene flow rate ، heterozygosity