Identification of ISSR primers for genetic analysis of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> Hook f.

Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (commonly called fluted pumpkin) is found in the moist coastal areas of West Africa, especially in Nigeria. It is a widely-eaten leaf and seed vegetable which belongs to the family  Cucurbitaceae. A study was conducted to screen ISSR primers to select those that can amplify DNA extracted from Telfairia occidentalis. Eight ISSR primers were screened at different temperatures in order to identify primer and optimal temperature that will produce clear and reproducible bands on 2% agarose gels. Two of the ISSR primers (ISSR2 & ISSR4) produced bands at annealing temperatures varying from 56°C to 66°C and 50°C to 55°C respectively. The optimal annealing temperature (Ta) 60°C was identified for ISSR2 and 53.1° C was identified for ISSR4.

ISSR2 and ISSR4 are considered promising for the study of genetic diversity in Telfairia occidentalis.

Keywords: Vegetable, Telfairia occidentalis, ISSR Primers, DNA