Determination of Genetic Diversity of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.)] Genotypes Using SSR Marker

Abstract

Genetic diversity can be evaluated using molecular markers at the DNA level, as they are more abundant than morphological traits and are not affected by environmental factors. In the present study, 50 genotypes of cowpea were evaluated for genetic diversity through simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers at Plant Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture, Dapoli (MH), India during rabi,2022-23. 21 pairs of SSR primers were employed to analyze the genetic diversity among the genotypes. All were found polymorphic across 50 genotypes of cowpea. Marker analysis of 21 SSR marker pairs revealed a generation of 48 alleles. Number of alleles ranged from 2 to 5 with a average number of 2.28 alleles per marker, The size of amplification products varied in case of each primer and the range was found to be 50 bp to 500 bp. The maximum number of 5 alleles were recorded in CP04320 followed by 4 alleles (CEDG 136) and 3 alleles (CEDG 141) whereas minimum number of 2 alleles were recorded in rest of the markers. PIC value ranged from 0.11 (CEDG117) to 0.75 (CP 04320) with an average of 0.41. The value of Jaccard’s Similarity coefficient ranged from 0.128 to 0.913 with an average of 0.520. The dendrogram constructed on SSR molecular marker data through UPGMA method enabling grouping of the genotypes into two main clusters. Incorporating such genetic diversity can provide a strong foundation for developing superior cowpea varieties with improved yield potential, resilience, and adaptability for future crop improvement efforts. Overall results suggested that SSR can be a great tool to explore genetic diversity in cowpea.