Microsatellite markers-based characterisation of elephant grass (<i>Pennisetum purpureum</i>) harvested from selected locations in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to characterise Pennisetum purpureum harvested from some selected locations in S outh-W estern Nigeria using microsatellite markers. Leaf parts of growing young elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were harvested and immediately preserved in ethanol solution before DNA extraction. Two (2) SSR primers (CTM59 and Xtxp278) were used to assess genetic diversity in Pennisetum purpureum. The result shows that 72% of the molecular variations in the elephant grass exists within the population with 28% among the population; there were no unique characteristics among the Nine (9) populations. Nei genetic index ranged from 0.067 (lowest) observed between Isokan and Odeda populations to 0.158 (highest), between Ifedore and Ikoyi Populations. Morphological characterization showed moderate diversity with two major clusters and one minor cluster.

Keyword: Elephant grass; cultivars; locations; markers