Genetic diversity of <i>Adansonia digitata</i> (l.) And <i>Vitelleria paradoxa</i> (c.f. Gaertn) in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the genetic diversity of Adansonia digitata and Vitelleria paradoxa in three savanna ecological zones of Nigeria using ten microsatellite markers. Leaf samples were collected from three savanna ecological zones of Nigeria. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 0.020g powder of silica gel dried leaves using the modified Doyle and Doyle (1990) protocol. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed in a volume of 25μl in a DNA thermal cycler. PCR products were separated by electrophoresis using 2% agarose gel inTBE buffer. Fragment sizes were estimated using ladder – DNA sizing marker and analysed using CERVUS. Averagely high genetic diversity (He) was recorded for A. digitata and V. paradoxa genotypes for Sudan Savanna (0.6572, 0.5792) and Guinea Savanna (0.6050, 0.5302) but significantly higher in Derived Savanna ecological zone (0.8093, 0.7372). A good strategy to protect these endangered tree species is to protect more of their habitat and also to develop their plantation outside their natural habitat.

Key words: Adansonia digitata¸ Vitelleria paradoxa, Genetic diversity, conservation, Microsatellites.