Vigna Mungo Var Research Articles

Genetic Analysis of Seed Traits in Pre-breeding Lines of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Background: Visual polymorphism of the seeds is supposed to play an important role in breeding programme. Hence this study helps to estimate the genetic parameters in pre breeding lines of blackgram. Methods: One hundred and eighty nine pre breeding lines obtained from the cross VBN (Bg) 5 × Vigna mungo var. silvestris were evaluated during kharif, 2019 and rabi, 2019-20 in a replicated trial. The seed related traits such as seed length, seed width, thickness, length width ratio, seed volume, bulk density and hundred seed weight were taken for analysis. Result: The values of PCV were higher than the GCV indicating the environmental influence over these traits. Moderate GCV was observed for seed volume (13.03%) and hundred seed weight (10.55%). Low GCV was observed for length width ratio (5.21%), seed width (4.47%), bulk density (4.08%), seed thickness (3.54%) and seed length (2.96%). The difference between PCV and GCV was high for seed volume (6.84) followed by seed thickness (2.03) indicating the higher environmental influence over these traits. High heritability was noticed for the traits viz., hundred seed weight (96.22%), seed width (96.03%), length width ratio (93.13%), bulk density (91.13%) and seed length (88.11%). High heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for hundred seed weight (96.22 and 21.32 respectively) which defines the additive gene action that would help in the selection of these traits. Correlation analysis revealed that bulk density, seed thickness, seed volume, seed length and seed width had significant and positive correlation with hundred seed weight. Seed thickness and bulk density had high direct effect on hundred seed weight. Thus, results from the present study could be used to obtain bold seeded variety in blackgram.

Genetic analysis in pre-breeding lines derived from inter sub-specific cross of blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

One hundred and eighty nine stabilised lines obtained from the cross VBN (Bg) 5 and Vigna mungo var silvestris 22/10 were evaluated during Rabi, 2019. Analysis of variance for various traits exhibited significant differences among the lines for all the nine quantitative traits. The GCV was lower compared to the values of PCV which revealed the influence of the environment in deciding the expression of these lines. Moderate GCV was recorded for single plant yield (16.22 %), the number of pods per plant (12.60%), plant height (12.48 %), the number of primary branches per plant (11.75 %) and hundred seed weight (11.34%). High heritability was observed for the characters like hundred seed weight (96.99 %), plant height (78.33 %), days to 50 per cent flowering (72.98 %), single plant yield (72.44 %) and pod length (65.70 %). High heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for hundred seed weight (96.99, 23.00), plant height (78.33, 22.76) and single plant yield (72.44, 28.44) indicates the possibility of improving these traits by selection since there is a wide range of variation and additive gene action exists for these traits. The maximum number of lines with a positive value over the mean was observed for pod length and 100 seed weight. Correlation analysis showed that the number of pods per plant, plant height, the number of seeds per pod, the number of primary branches per plant, the number of pods per cluster, pod length and hundred seed weight had positive significant association with single plant yield. A number of pods per plant and pod length had a high positive direct effect on single plant yield. Hence, the selection for these characters would improve seed yield in blackgram. Key words: Blackgram, pre-breeding lines, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation

Interspecific Hybridization Between Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo Towards the Broadening of Genetic Base for MYMV Disease Resistance and Generating Variability

Background: The main cause for low yield in greengram is its susceptibility to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) which is the most prevalent and destructive viral pathogen cause 85% yield lose. Inter specific hybridization between Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo could be an alternate approach to develop MYMV resistant genotypes in greengram which leads to additional source of creating variability for desirable attributes including yield, nutritional quality, biotic and abiotic stresses.Methods: The present investigation was carried out at National Pulses Research Centre (NPRC), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban during 2016-2017. Interspecific hybridization has been effected between Vigna radiata var. VBN (Gg)2, VBN (Gg) 3 (as females) and Vigna mungo Var. Mash 114 (as male) during Summer 2016. The interspecific F1 hybrids, F2 and F3 populations were evaluated during Kharif 2016, Rabi 2016-17 and summer 2017 respectively. The F2 and F3 populations were evaluated for days to 1st flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of branches / plant, number of clusters / plant, number of pods / clusters, pod length (cm), number of seeds / pod, number of pods / plant, single plant yield (g.). The MYMV resistance has been confirmed under infector row method using CO 5 as susceptible check variety. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), Heritability (h2) in broad sense, genetic advance as per cent of mean, Skewness and Kurtosis were estimated for yield and yield components. Result: Four true F1 plants were recovered in Vigna radiata var. VBN (Gg)2 x Vigna mungo Var. Mash 114 cross combination. The fertile F1 had the shallow lobbed leaf of Vigna radiata var. VBN (Gg)2 and black colour seed of Vigna mungo var. Mash 114 with pollen fertility of 42.0 per cent and crossability of 12.50%. Most interestingly all the four interspecific F1 plants were free from MYMV disease. In F2 generation, only one healthy plant was survived which had a pod, stem and branching behaviour of blackgram and greengram characters of lobbed leaf and green seed colour. In F3 generation, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length and seed yield per plant had high GCV, high PCV, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean. Present study suggests that MYMV resistant cultivars of greengram can be explored through interspecific hybridization with Vigna mungo var. Mash 114 as a source of resistance and the hidden transgressive segregants can be recovered in F3 generation.

Genetic analysis for seed yield and yield component traits in recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population of blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

An inter sub specific mapping population (RIL) was developed by crossing VBN(Bg)5 x Vigna mungo var. silvestris 22/10 by single seed decent method. The genetic variability parameters for ten yield and yield contributing traits were studied in a RIL population consisted of 193 lines. The high PCV and GCV was found for the traits viz., single plant yield, clusters per plant, pods per plant and branches per plant. High heritability was observed for all traits and ranged from 75.46 (pods per cluster) to 96.57 per cent (clusters per plant). High genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, pod length, hundred seed weight and single plant yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, pod length, hundred seed weight and single plant yield. Transgressive segregants were observed for all the traits. Five RILs viz., RIL 11, RIL12, RIL67, RIL73 and RIL168 showed superiority over cultivated variety viz.,VBN (Bg) 5 for all traits except branches per plant. The trait based classification of RILs for yield contributing traits and for biotic stress resistance could be used as a pre breeding material for the improvement of blackgram.

Genetic Analysis and Seed Polymorphism in Inter sub Specific Cross of Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

The present study was carried out using 189 pre-breeding lines from the cross VBN (Bg) 5 and Vigna mungo var silvestris 22/10 to study the genetic variability for nine yields and six seed traits. Significant variability was observed for all the traits studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the 15 traits. High PCV was observed for number of pods per plant, seed volume, and single plant yield. The moderate to high GCV was exhibited for hundred seed weight, plant height, number of pods per plant, seed volume, and single plant yield. The heritability estimates were high for pod length, plant height, seed length, hundred seed weight, single plant yield, bulk density, seed length-width ratio and seed width. The traits viz., plant height, hundred seed weight, and single plant yield showed high heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean respectively, which might be due to additive gene action. Hence, these traits could act as a better source for the breeding programme for evolving high-yielding bold seeded varieties.

Screening for resistance against bruchid (Callasobruchus maculatus) damage in blackgram

Bruchid (Callasobruchus sp.) is the most devastating pest causing severe damage to the blackgram seeds during storage. Hence it is essential to identify a genotype which is resistant to bruchids. A total of 61 blackgram genotypes were artificially screened for their resistance against Callasobruchus maculates at National Pulses Research Center, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pudukkottai during 2017. Among the genotypes TU 68 had comparatively less number of adult emergence in 40, 50, 60, 70, 105 days after infestation, less seed damage (%) and less seed weight loss (%). Genotype TU 68 was found to be resistant in the confirmatory experiment also. Less number of adult emergences even at the end of 105 days indicated the prolonged developmental period which is also a mechanism of bruchid resistance. TU 68 was derived from the interspecific cross TU 94-2 × Vigna mungo var. silvestris. TU 68 could be utilized in the hybridization programme to develop high yielding blackgram variety inbuilt bruchid resistance.

Interspecific hybridization and crossability studies of cultivated varieties of Vigna mungo L. Hepper with Vigna mungo var silvestris

Interspecific hybridization was carried out with two cultivars (CO 6 and VBN8) and one wild species Vigna mungo var. silvestris22/10 in black gram. The crossability and pollen fertility studies were conducted during investigation. Qualitative traits are recorded in the F1 generation. The hybrid from CO 6 cross had twining tendency, terminal leaflet shape, petiole colour, pod pubescence, and growth pattern similar to Vignamungo var. silvestris22/10 (male parent). The hybrid from VBN8 cross resembled the male parent for the characters viz., twining tendency and growth pattern. Hence,these qualitative traits can be used to confirm hybridity at the early stage of the crop.

Development of Yellow Mosaic Virus Resistant Genotypes in Urdbean TNAU blackgram VBN 6: A high yielding blackgram variety with resistant to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus

The Blackgram culture VBG04-014 is a cross derivative of Vamban 1 x Vigna mungo var. silvestris 1 released as variety TNAU Blackgram VBN(Bg)6, it is maturing in 65-70 days and suited for cultivation under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. It has an average yield potential of 871 Kg per hectare. This culture is resistant to Yellow Mosaic Virus, Leaf Curl Virus and less damage of pod borer. It possesses desirable characters like high protein content (21.1%). Grains are medium sized with black in colour. It is recommended for cultivation in Tamil Nadu. Keywords: VBG04-014; Blackgram; Yellow Mosaic Virus; Rainfed; Irrigated

Development of high yielding with durable resistance against Mungbean yellow mosaic virus genotypes in Blackgram

The Blackgram culture VBG04-008 is a cross derivative of blackgram Vamban 3 x Vigna mungo var. silvestris 8 is released as TNAU blackgram VBN (Bg) 7 maturing in 65-70 days with an average height of 17 cm and suited for cultivation under both under rainfed and irrigated conditions. It has a yield potential of 981 Kg per hectare. This culture is resistant to Yellow Mosaic Virus, Powdery mildew and Leaf Curl Virus and less damage of pod borer. It possesses desirable characters like high protein content (21.05%), crude fibre (5.90g/100g) and iron (3.76 mg/100g). Grains are medium sized with black in colour. It is recommended for cultivation in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Orissa. Keywords: VBG04-008; Blackgram; VBN 7 Mung Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus; Powdery mildew-Rainfed; Irrigated

Transcriptome sequencing, de novo assembly, characterisation of wild accession of blackgram (Vigna mungo var. silvestris) as a rich resource for development of molecular markers and validation of SNPs by high resolution melting (HRM) analysis

BackgroundBlackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper], is an important legume crop of Asia with limited genomic resources. We report a comprehensive set of genic simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of transcriptome and its application in genetic variation analysis and mapping.ResultsTranscriptome sequencing of immature seeds of wild blackgram, V. mungo var. silvestris by Illumina MiSeq technology generated 1.9 × 107 reads, which were assembled into 40,178 transcripts (TCS) with an average length of 446 bp covering 2.97 GB of the genome. A total of 38,753 CDS (Coding sequences) were predicted from 40,178 TCS and 28,984 CDS were annotated through BLASTX and mapped to GO and KEGG database resulting in 140 unique pathways. The tri-nucleotides were most abundant (39.9%) followed by di-nucleotide (30.2%). About 60.3 and 37.6% of SSR motifs were present in the coding sequences (CDS) and untranslated regions (UTRs) respectively. Among SNPs, the most abundant substitution type were transitions (Ts) (61%) followed by transversions (Tv) type (39%), with a Ts/Tv ratio of 1.58. A total of 2306 DEGs were identified by RNA Seq between wild and cultivar and validation was done by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In this study, we genotyped SNPs with a validation rate of 78.87% by High Resolution Melting (HRM) Assay.ConclusionIn the present study, 1621genic-SSR and 1844 SNP markers were developed from immature seed transcriptome sequence of blackgram and 31 genic-SSR markers were used to study genetic variations among different blackgram accessions. Above developed markers contribute towards enriching available genomic resources for blackgram and aid in breeding programmes.

Development of an SNP-based high-density linkage map and QTL analysis for bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) resistance in black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Black gram (Vigna mungo var. mungo) is an important pulse crop in Asia. The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a stored-seed insect pest (seed weevil/bruchid) that causes serious postharvest losses in pulse crops, including black gram. In this study, we constructed a high-density linkage map for black gram and identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for C. maculatus resistance. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 150 lines from a cross between BC48 [cultivated black gram (var. mungo); bruchid-susceptible] and TC2210 [wild black gram (var. silvestris); bruchid-resistant] were used to construct a linkage map of 3,675 SNP markers from specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing. The map comprised 11 linkage groups spanning 1,588.7 cM with an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.57 cM. Seeds of the RIL population grown in 2016 and 2017 were evaluated for C. maculatus resistance through two traits; the percentage of damaged seeds (PDS) and infestation severity progress (AUDPS). Inclusive composite interval mapping identified three QTLs each for PDS and AUDPS. Two QTLs, qVmunBr6.1 and qVmunBr6.2, mapped about 10 cM apart on linkage group 6 were common between PDS and AUDPS. Comparative genome analysis revealed that qVmunBr6.1 and qVmunBr6.2 are new loci for C. maculatus resistance in Vigna species and that genes encoding a lectin receptor kinase and chitinase are candidates for qVmunBr6.2. The high-density linkage map constructed and QTLs for bruchid resistance identified in this study will be useful for molecular breeding of black gram.

Association analysis in the interspecific derivatives of Vigna mungo x Vigna mungo var. sylvestris for yield and its components

Association analysis in the interspecific derivatives of <i>Vigna mungo x Vigna mungo var. sylvestris</i> for yield and its components

Development and genetic analysis of inter sub specific Recombinant Inbred Line population in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Blackgram ( Vigna mungo ) is fourth important pulse crop of India. Major constraints in achieving higher yield of blackgram are absence of suitable ideotypes for different cropping systems, poor harvest index and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Genetic maps can be constructed based on mapping population. Among the mapping populations, Recombinant Inbred Lines (RIL) is more advantages than others. In the present study, an inter sub specific RIL population was developed by crossing VBN (Bg) 4 x Vigna mungo var. silvestris 22/2 by single seed decent method. A total of 195 RILs were evaluated for 11 biometrical traits. RIL 113 recorded the highest mean for single plant yield (9.90 g) along with more number of pods plant (42.84). RIL 125 recorded the maximum yield of 8.93g per plant along with more number of clusters per plant (17.50) and RIL 131 had single plant yield of 7.99 g along with more number of pods per plant (34.00). RILs with high yield and yield attributing traits can be used to develop high yielding varieties. RILs isolated with specific traits could be used as pre breeding material for the improvement of blackgram.

English

&nbsp; Genetic relationships of two wild&nbsp;Vigna&nbsp;species,&nbsp;Vigna mungo&nbsp;var.&nbsp;silvestris&nbsp;andVigna hainiana,&nbsp;with accessions of a cultivated species,&nbsp;V. mungo&nbsp;known as urdbean or blackgram was studied with a view of using them as a donor of alien stress resistance genes in future breeding. POPGENE analysis conducted on a total of 375 individuals of 25 accessions using sequence tag microsatellite markers (STMS) revealed effective number of alleles varying from 3.0 to 1.7. The mean values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.084 and 0.335, respectively. Average Wright&rsquo;s fixation indices were: FIT&nbsp;= 0.710, FST&nbsp;= 0.840 and FIS&nbsp;= -0.84, indicating high level of outcrossing and genetic differentiation with limited gene flow between and within the three taxa studied. The&nbsp;Nm&nbsp;value for the accessions was found to be negligible, suggesting no gene flow within populations. For the groups,&nbsp;Nm&nbsp;value for&nbsp;V. mungo&nbsp;was 0.464, which was more than that of both&nbsp;V. radiata&nbsp;var.&nbsp;silvestris&nbsp;and&nbsp;V. hainiana. Since&nbsp;V. mungo&nbsp;is a cultivated species, it showed the highest within-species gene flow. Ewens-Watterson test for neutrality was done using 1000 simulated samples. All the loci were neutral to selection pressure as their observed F value was between lower and upper 95% limit. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Species relationships,&nbsp;Vigna mungo,&nbsp;microsatellite marker, blackgram.

Arsenic Phytotoxicity in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.Var. PU19) and its Possible Amelioration by Phosphate Application

Arsenic Phytotoxicity in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.Var. PU19) and its Possible Amelioration by Phosphate Application To study the toxic effect of arsenic on black gram (Vigna mungo var. PU19) a pot experiment was conducted. Arsenic reduced the germination percentage and root and shoot length of black gram. Higher dose of arsenic (100 μM sodium arsenate) significantly reduced the level of photosynthetic pigments. Increased oxidative stress was observed as evident from enhanced level of lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage percentage. However, decreased catalase activity indicated its failure as antioxidant enzyme against arsenic exposure. Treatment of phosphate together with arsenic induced growth and metabolism in black gram as compared to arsenic treatment alone.

Utility of adzuki bean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi &amp; Ohashi] simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in genetic analysis of mungbean and related Vigna spp.

In the present study, 78 mapped simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers representing 11 linkage groups of adzuki bean were evaluated for transferability to mungbean and related Vigna spp . 41 markers amplified characteristic bands in at least one Vigna species. The transferability percentage across the genotypes ranged from 60.97 to 92.6% with 87.8% in Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo , 62.2% in Vigna unguiculata, 91.8% in Vigna umbellata , 78% in Vigna mungo var. sylvestris and 80% in Vigna trilobata, respectively. Five major clusters were observed using unweighted pair group method with an arithmetic mean (UPGMA) with each cluster representing a particular Vigna species. We have successfully utilized adzuki bean SSRs in amplifying microsatellite sequences in Vigna species and inferring phylogenetic relationships by correlating the rate of transfer among them. The polymorphic SSR markers identified in this study would be useful in the analysis of genetic diversity, gene mapping and other aspects of genetic studies in mungbean and related species. Key words : Adzuki bean, simple sequence repeat (SSR), inter-genomic marker transferability, genetic diversity, mungbean, Vigna spp.

Mineral bioavailability in three locally consumed pulses processed using popular methods: interpreted using molar ratios with phytic acid

Pulses, an essential component of the Sri Lankan diet, have high levels of phytic acid (PA) which chelate essential mineral nutrients limiting their bioavailability. Three locally grown pulses; mung beans, black gram and soya bean were investigated to determine the effects of popular processing methods on their Zn, Fe and Ca bioavailability as affected mainly by phytic acid (PA). Processed mung beans (Vigna radiata var. MI 6) and black gram (Vigna mungo var. MI 1) had very high levels of PA. In mung beans, with increasing germination time, a significant decrease (P=0.05) in PA from 2517 to 1998 mg per 100g (dry weight basis) was observed but PA:Zn molar ratio did not improve. Natural fermentation of black gram, did not affect PA level effectively, but levels decreased when inoculated with a lactic acid bacterium or with Pantoea agglomerans. In soya bean (Glycine max var. Pb), significant (P=0.05) reduction in PA was observed in tempeh (487 mg/100 g dry weight). Overall, in soya products, the Zn bioavailability has increased from low to moderate levels in both tofu and tempeh. The molar ratio of PA:Fe was lower in all soya products. Although, PA:Zn molar ratio has decreased in germinated mung beans, the Ca x PA:Zn ratio exceeded 0.5 indicating that Ca influences Zn bioavailability DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v41i1.4534 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 41 (1): 19-26, 2012

Lead induced genotoxicity in Vigna mungo var. HD-94

Lead (Pb) is a common environmental pollutant in most of the industrialized countries. Its genotoxic effect on the living organisms is a major concern globally. In the present investigation we studied the genotoxic effect of Pb exposure on Vigna mungo var. HD-94 seeds. Seeds of V. mungo were treated with different concentrations of lead (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125ppm) for 6h. A significant reduction in mitotic index (p<0.05) was observed in seeds exposed to lead compared to control group which decreased with an increase in concentration of Pb and duration of treatment. In addition, a significantly higher percentage (p<0.001) of chromosomal abnormalities was observed in the mitotic stage of these seeds. In conclusion, the heavy metal Pb can reduce the germination potential by inhibiting the mitosis and causing extensive cytogenetic errors in seedlings.

Identification of quantitative trait loci for bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) resistance in black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

An inter-subspecific mapping population was generated by crossing V. mungo var. mungo (cv. TU 94-2, bruchid susceptible) and V. mungo var. silvestris (bruchid resistant). About 37.8% of the bruchid completed their lifecycle on seeds of V. mungo var. silvestris compared with 100% on the susceptible variety TU 94-2. The total developmental period of C. maculatus on Vigna mungo var. silvestris was considerably extended (88 days as compared with 34 days on TU 94-2). A genetic linkage map constructed using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) in F9 generation with 428 markers [86 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), 47 simple sequence repeat (SSR), 41 inter-SSR (ISSR), 254 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)] was used for QTL detection. One hundred four individuals were used for detection of QTLs associated with bruchid resistance. The RILs exhibited a high level of variation in percentage adult emergence (0–100%) and developmental period (0–105 days). Two QTLs, Cmrae1.1 and Cmrae1.2, were identified for percentage adult emergence, on linkage group (LG) 3 and 4, respectively. For developmental period, six QTLs were identified, with two QTLs (Cmrdp1.1 and Cmrdp1.2) on LG 1, three QTLs (Cmrdp1.3, Cmrdp1.4, and Cmrdp1.5) on LG 2, and one QTL (Cmrdp1.6) on LG 10.

Genetic diversity analysis in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) using AFLP and transferable microsatellite markers from azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi &amp; Ohashi)

Genetic diversity in 20 elite blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) genotypes was studied using microsatellite and AFLP markers. Thirty-six microsatellite markers from azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi) were successfully amplified across the 20 blackgram genotypes and 33 microsatellite markers showed polymorphism. A total of 137 microsatellite alleles were generated with an average of 4.1 alleles per locus. The number of alleles ranged from two to nine and the polymorphic information content value for the microsatellite markers varied from 0.10 to 0.87 with an average of 0.49. Microsatellite markers were highly informative and a combination of only three microsatellite markers (CEDG264, CEDG173, and CEDG044) was sufficient to discriminate all 20 blackgram genotypes. In the case of AFLP, 11 primer pairs generated 324 polymorphic marker fragments. The polymorphic information content values for AFLP primer combinations ranged from 0.21 to 0.34 with an average of 0.29. Similarity measures and clustering analyses were made using microsatellite and AFLP data separately. The resulting dendrograms distributed the 20 blackgram genotypes into five main clusters. The dendrograms were comparable with each other with the Mantel test between the cophenetic matrices of microsatellite data and AFLP data showing moderate correlation (r = 0.64). The results of the principal components analysis were well congruent with the dendrograms. In the dendrograms as well as in the principal components analyses, genotype Trombay wild (Vigna mungo var. silvestris) was placed separately from rest of the genotypes. This study demonstrated that the azuki bean microsatellite markers are highly polymorphic and informative and can be successfully used for genome analysis in blackgram. Results indicate that sufficient variability is present in the blackgram genotypes and would be helpful in the selection of suitable parents for breeding purposes and gene mapping studies.