Assessment of genetic diversity among pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R Br.] cultivars using SSR markers

Abstract

DNA based markers have emerged as a robust genomic tool for the estimation of genetic diversity and cultivar identification. We are reporting genetic diversity among 20 commercially released pearl millet cultivars comprising of hybrids and open pollinated varieties. Twenty one polymorphic SSR primer pairs, selected after initial screening of 60 were used to study the diversity which amplified 64 alleles. The number of amplified alleles among the cultivars ranged from 2-6 per locus with a mean value of 3 alleles per locus. UPGMA cluster analysis differentiated all the cultivars and eighteen of them were found to be clustered into three major groups at similarity coefficient of 0.43 while two, JBV-3 and BAIF Bajra-1 remained ungrouped and were quite distinct from others. Interestingly, all the cultivars developed at IARI, New Delhi, were present in a subgroup within group I. Similarly, majority of hybrids developed at HAU, Hisar were grouped in the another subgroup within the group 1. BAIF Bajra 1 an exclusive forage purpose variety was genetically most diverged. Besides, a set of five polymorphic primers were found to differentiate all the cultivars. The results have demonstrated presence of moderate level of genetic diversity among the pearl millet cultivars.