Genetic diversity study of common bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.) germplasm from Ethiopia using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

Abstract

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (family Leguminosae), is a leguminous crop widely distributed in all parts of the world. In Ethiopia, common bean is cultivated as a source of protein for local consumption and for export. Mostly, it grows in the warm and lowland areas of the country. The aim of this research was to investigate the genetic diversity of P. vulgaris accessions from Ethiopia. Twelve accessions of P. vulgaris were used to estimate the genetic diversity among and within accessions using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Seven selected ISSR primers yielded 69 reproducible bands from 96 individuals studied. All the loci were found to be polymorphic. The total genetic diversity (H) and Shannon’s diversity information index (I) for the entire accessions showed 0.35 and 0.53, respectively. Individuals from Shinile site showed the highest level of gene diversity (H = 0.29, I = 0.43); while the lowest variability was shown by accessions from Metekel (L) (H = 0.10, I = 0.15). Variation within accessions was higher (62.55%) as compared to that of inter accessions (37.45%) based on AMOVA. In PCoA, majority individuals of Metekel (L) tended to form separate group. The result of the study confirmed the presence of genetic diversity that can be exploited to improve the productivity. This calls for a conserted efforts in the collection, conservation and sustainable use of P. vulgaris.

 Keywords: Genetic diversity, ISSR, Phaseolus vulgaris

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(31) 3638-3649