Genetic diversity study of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) genotypes using SSR markers

Abstract

Fifty four SSR markers were employed for the genetic diversity study of 40 pigeon pea genotypes, of which 22 markers were polymorphic with polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.609 to 0.929. The cluster analysis based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient using un weighted pair group method using arithmetic averages grouped the varieties into seven major clusters showing reasonable variability that may be exploited for selecting parents for breeding programme. The similarity coefficient among the genotypes ranged from 0.20 to 0.82 indicating wide genetic diversity. Generally distinct phenotypes identified using SSR markers could be potential sources for genotype identification and crop improvement of pigeon pea.

Keywords

• Pigeon pea
• Genetic diversity