Microsatellite markers-based characterisation of elephant grass (&lt;i&gt;Pennisetum purpureum&lt;/i&gt;) harvested from selected locations in South-West Nigeria

O.A Okukenu,A.O Jolaosho,A.A Olajide,T.J Shonde,M Wheto,P.A Dele,B.T Akinyemi,B.O Jokosenumi

doi:10.4314/njb.v37i1.4

Abstract

This study was carried out to characterise Pennisetum purpureum harvested from some selected locations in S outh-W estern Nigeria using microsatellite markers. Leaf parts of growing young elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were harvested and immediately preserved in ethanol solution before DNA extraction. Two (2) SSR primers (CTM59 and Xtxp278) were used to assess genetic diversity in Pennisetum purpureum. The result shows that 72% of the molecular variations in the elephant grass exists within the population with 28% among the population; there were no unique characteristics among the Nine (9) populations. Nei genetic index ranged from 0.067 (lowest) observed between Isokan and Odeda populations to 0.158 (highest), between Ifedore and Ikoyi Populations. Morphological characterization showed moderate diversity with two major clusters and one minor cluster. Keyword: Elephant grass; cultivars; locations; markers

Highlights

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum), a tetraploid (2n = 4x = 28) perennial grass capable of producing high biomass and withstanding repeated cutting, was introduced into India from sub-Saharan Africa during the early part of 20th century
This study was carried out to characterise Pennisetum purpureum harvested from some selected locations in S outh-W estern Nigeria using microsatellite markers
Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 72% of the total genetic diversity existed

Summary

Introduction

Elephant grass has a genome formula AA, BB, where AA is homologous to the AA genome of pearl millet (2n=2x=14) (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Because the species exhibits broad morphological variation and cross-pollinates, Elephant grass is a valuable source of genetic variation for pearl millet (Burton, 1999). Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among populations are constrained by forms like genetic drift, inbreeding, gene flow, recombination, mutation and selection (Loveless and Hamrick, 1984). Abiotic and biotic conditions have the potential to increase genetic differentiation within and among populations (Linhart and Grant, 1996). In spite of the limited attention the conservation of genetic diversity has received within practical conservation biology, knowledge of the importance of genetic variation for the survival of species is not usually

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