Diversity analysis of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)through morphological and molecular markers

Abstract

Twenty-three genotypes of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) were collected to determine the extent of genetic diversity through morphological characters as well as random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), and simple sequence repeat (SSR) fingerprinting results. Analysis of variance revealed significant mean square values that indicated a substantial degree of genetic variability among the genotypes. Significant genetic variance was observed for days to 50% maturity, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, pod length (cm), 1000-seed weight (g), seed yield/plant (g), biological yield (g), and harvest index (%) during cultivation in three different environments. Hierarchical Euclidean and cluster analysis based on 10 morphological characteristics grouped all 23 genotypes into three divergent clusters. RAPD (15), ISSR (13), and SSR (10) markers produced a total of 216 bands, of which 190 exhibited polymorphism. The similarity coefficients were significant for all markers; however, they were higher in ISSR than in RAPD or SSR. In the UPGMA dendrogram based on the combined morphological, RAPD, ISSR, and SSR results, the 23 genotypes were divided into three main clusters. The present study revealed that morphological and molecular markers may be successfully utilized for determining genetic diversity and relationships in green gram genotypes and could be used in green gram breeding programs.