Genetic diversity of maize genotypes with variable resistance to Striga asiatica based on SSR markers

Genetic diversity among breeding populations is key in plant breeding programs. This study aimed to determine the extent of genetic diversity among 37 diverse maize genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The maize genotypes were selected based on their variable resistance to Striga asiatica. Maize genotypes were fingerprinted using 18 polymorphic SSR markers. Marker and population diversity parameters were computed. A total of 191 alleles were detected and the number of effective alleles varied from 2 to 21 per locus with a mean of 11. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of the SSR markers varied from 0.59 to 0.96, with a mean of 0.80. Significant differences were observed among populations, individuals and within individuals. Within and among individual variances accounted for 85% and 13% of the total gene diversity. The genotypes were grouped into three main genetic clusters, which were not influenced by genotype origin. Mean genetic distance (0.43) and low geneflow (0.18) were observed among the populations. High mean genetic identity (0.65) was recorded, indicating potential genetic ‘bottleneck’ among the selected germplasm. The following open pollinated varieties; Border King, Colorado, CIMMYT’s ZM OPVs, Mac Pearl, Shesha, Nel Choice, Natal 8Lines, Nel Choice QPM, Hickory King, Kep Select, Obatanpa and the Striga resistant synthetic variety DSTRYSYN15 were selected from different clusters for breeding

Genetic variability and population structure of Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm assessed through phenotypic traits and simple sequence repeats markers

Open Access Journal; Published online: 02 Jun 2021Ethiopia is one of the centers of genetic diversity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The sesame genetic resources present in the country should be explored for local, regional, and international genetic improvement programs to design high-performing and market-preferred varieties. This study’s objective was to determine the extent of genetic variation among 100 diverse cultivated sesame germplasm collections of Ethiopia using phenotypic traits and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to select distinct and complementary genotypes for breeding. One hundred sesame entries were field evaluated at two locations in Ethiopia for agro-morphological traits and seed oil content using a 10 × 10 lattice design with two replications. Test genotypes were profiled using 27 polymorphic SSR markers at the Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) entry by environment interaction for plant height, internode length, number of secondary branches, and grain yield. Genotypes such as Hirhir Kebabo Hairless-9, Setit-3, Orofalc ACC-2, Hirhir Humera Sel-6, ABX = 2-01-2, and Setit-1 recorded grain yield of >0.73 ton ha−1 with excellent performance in yield component such as oil yield per hectare. Grain yield had positive and significant (p < 0.01) associations with oil yield (r = 0.99), useful for simultaneous selection for yield improvement in sesame. The SSR markers revealed gene diversity and polymorphic information content values of 0.30 and 0.25, respectively, showing that the tested sesame accessions were genetically diverse. Cluster analysis resolved the accessions into two groups, while population structure analysis revealed four major heterotic groups, thus enabling selection and subsequent crossing to develop breeding populations for cultivar development. Based on phenotypic and genomic divergence, the following superior and complementary genotypes: Hirhir Humera Sel-6, Setit-3, Hirhir Kebabo Hairless Sel-4, Hirhir Nigara 1st Sel-1, Humera-1 and Hirhir Kebabo Early Sel-1 (from cluster II-a), Hirhir kebabo hairless-9, NN-0029(2), NN0068-2 and Bawnji Fiyel Kolet, (from cluster II-b). The selected genotypes will serve as parents in the local breeding program in Ethiopia

Analyses of genetic diversity and population structure of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm collections through seed oil and fatty acid compositions and SSR markers

Published online: 31 Mar 2022Knowledge of the genetic profiles of diverse germplasm collections of sesame using seed oil, fatty acid contents, and molecular markers is a prerequisite to develop market-preferred cultivars with quantity and quality oil. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and relationships among Ethiopia’s sesame germplasm collections using seed oil content and fatty acid compositions and diagnostic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to select genetically complementary and promising parental lines for breeding. The contents of the seed oil and fatty acids of 100 lines grown under field conditions were determined using the near-infrared reflectance spectrometry. Twenty-seven polymorphic SSR markers were used to assess the genetic profile of the test lines and complement the seed oil and fatty acid data. The SSR markers revealed that the mean gene diversity and polymorphic information content were 0.30 and 0.25, respectively. Population structure analysis identified four major heterotic groups. Based on higher oil content and desirable fatty acid compositions and SSR markers the following superior and complementary lines such as: Hirhir Kebabo Hairless Sel-6 (from sub-cluster I-b), Hirhir Humera Sel-8 and NN0058–2 (sub-cluster II-a) and Bawnji Fiyel Kolet (sub-cluster II-b) are identified for sesame breeding programs or production globally

Unpacking the value of traditional African vegetables for food and nutrition security

Published online: 16 Mar 2021There is a need for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa to diversify into more nutrient-rich crops to meet the subcontinent’snutritional needs in terms of micronutrients and reduce health risks related to high and rising rates of overweight/obesity.Many traditional African vegetables (TAVs) are nutrient-dense and have much potential to reduce malnutrition. These vegetablescan also provide sustainable incomes to rural, urban and peri-urban farming communities. In addition to their high economicvalues and health benefits, most TAVs are amenable to be grown under low input conditions and even organically. However,TAVs are under-researched and underutilized across the vegetable value chain. This paper provides a detailed account of thevalue of TAVs, focusing on their importance, research and development progress, and future needs. To exploit the potential ofTAVs, there is need for a more concerted research and development efforts including effective characterization of the nutritionand genetic profiles; enhancing adaptability and yield gains; and capacity development in value addition, postharvest handling,processing, marketing, and seed system development. Success in these areas depends on effective collaborations among nationaland international partners including the private seed sector, and government and non-governmental organizations working in theareas of agriculture, nutrition and health