Genetic Diversity Analysis and Molecular Characterization of some Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes using SSR-based Molecular Markers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2651.039Keywords:
Arachis hypogaea,, genetic diversity, SSR markers, AMOVA, molecular characterization., PIC, PolymorphismAbstract
The cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is very important for food security and agriculture around the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding this crop's molecular genetic diversity is critical for developing efficient breeding techniques and implementing germplasm conservation programs. This study used 10 polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers to evaluate genetic variation among 14 cultivated groundnut genotypes, comprising 5 local Nigerian landraces and 9 improved varieties. A total of 71 polymorphic bands were identified across the genotypes, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 4 to 13, yielding an average of 7.10 alleles per locus. The markers displayed considerable polymorphism, as evidenced by polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.67 to 0.98, yielding a mean PIC of 0.89. There was also notable gene diversity (mean = 0.71), suggesting significant allelic variation within the population. Marker FWGNF135 exhibited the greatest allelic richness (13 alleles), while Fw-Gnf3810 achieved the highest PIC value (0.98), underscoring their strong ability to differentiate among genotypes. Shannon’s information index had an average value of 1.50 across the loci, further supporting the extensive genetic diversity represented by the marker set. The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) demonstrated significant genetic differentiation among the genotypes (ΦPT = 0.162, P = 0.020). The majority of overall genetic variation (75%) was linked to differences within individuals, while 16% was found among populations and 9% within populations, suggesting moderate population differentiation and considerable within-individual diversity. Three unique genetic clusters have been identified by UPGMA analysis, which demonstrated considerable molecular divergence between local and enhanced germplasm and unambiguously distinguished the BAHAUSA (VAR11) landrace from the improved SAMNUT cultivars. The findings show that valuable genetic diversity is retained in farmer-maintained populations, and that SSR markers were highly effective in characterizing this variation and guiding strategic parent selection to improve yield and climatic resilience in groundnut breeding.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Usman Abubakar, Abdu Sani Lawan, Mohammed Mayaki Bashir, Lawan Muhammad Buhari, Mohammed Sani Jibril, Nuraddeen Muhammad, Hassan Shuaibu Khalid (Author)
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