Abstract
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and flow cytometry were applied for the genetic characterization of wild and cultivated accessions ofSesamum radiatum and Cerathoteca sesamoides; two neglected and underutilizedspecies of traditional leafy vegetable consumed in Benin. The average 2C nuclear DNA content per nucleus was found to be 1.99 ± 0.06 and 1.05 ± 0.06 pg for S. radiatum and C. sesamoides, respectively which correspond to estimated genome size of 1946,22 Mpb for S. radiatum and 1026,9 Mpb for C. sesamoides. No variation in DNA content could be detected within accessions from each analysed species. Also, no relation was found between nuclear DNA content, ecogeographical origin and the status (cultivated or wild) of the analyzed accessions. AFLP markers revealed low diversity within the accessions analyzed. Results from the study contributed to a better characterization of S. radiatum andC. sesamoides accessions and will help in defining both genetic resources conservation and breeding strategies. Key words: Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, Ceratotheca sesamoides, flow cytometry, genetic diversity, ploidy, Sesamum radiatum, leafy vegetables.
Highlights
The genus Sesamum belongs to the Pedaliaceae family
Little information is available on the genetic characterization of S. radiatum and C. sesamoides using molecular markers [ amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)] and flow cytometry
The objectives of this study were three fold: (i) To determine the ploidy level and the nuclear DNA content of various accessions of S. radiatum and C. sesamoides collected in Benin; (ii) Examine the relationship between genome size and the ecogeographical distribution of the species; (iii) Assess the genetic diversity within accessions of these species using AFLP markers
Summary
The genus Sesamum belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. This family comprises about 16 genus and 60 annual and perennial species among which, Sesamum is the most important (Attibayéba et al, 2010). Ceratotheca sesamoides (synonyme S. heudoletii Stapf – 1906) are distributed worldwide and consumed as leafy vegetables. In Benin, S. radiatum (Figure 1) and Ceratotheca sesamoides S. radiatum and C. sesamoides are known to cure infections and to facilitate digestion and childbirth (Konan et al, 2006). Despite their nutraceutical roles, they have been poorly researched and fall within the so called neglected and underutilised species (NUS) of Africa. They have been poorly researched and fall within the so called neglected and underutilised species (NUS) of Africa For their sustainable conservation and utilisation, more investigations on their genetic diversity are prerequisite. The presence of wild and cultivated forms of these species in some part of Benin (Adeoti et al, 2009) suggests the existence of some genetic variability which could be related to edaphoclimatic conditions
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