Assessment of DAMD Molecular Markers in Genetic Diversity of Ricebean

Abstract

Rice bean (Vigna umbellata) is an underutilized legume crop with significant potential for nutritional and economic benefits. Despite its advantages, rice bean remains underexploited. This study focuses on assessing the genetic diversity of rice bean using Directed Amplification of Minisatellite DNA (DAMD) markers. 20 rice bean accessions from various geographic regions of India were analysed to understand their genetic relationships and diversity. The genetic fingerprinting results revealed a polymorphic banding pattern across the genotypes, indicating larger genetic variation in the loci targeted by the DAMD primers. Cluster analysis using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) identified two broad clusters with subclades, cluster 1 included accessions IC 524537, IC 524538, and IC 524542, while cluster 2 included accessions IC 419603 and IC 524083 reflecting the genetic relationships among the accessions. Highest eigen value of IC 526400, IC 419588 & IC 419602 were calculated by PCA. The findings highlight genetic diversity through the inclusion of genotypes from diverse geographic regions or wild relatives can support the development of superior and desirable cultivars for breeding programs.