SSR Markers Mediated Diversity Analysis of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Tribhuwan Kumar *
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India and Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa, 852201 (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour), India.
Zeba Quaiyum
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848125, India.
Tushar Ranjan
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India.
Ravi Shankar Singh
Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kisahanganj-855107, (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour), India and Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India.
Awadhesh Kumar Pal
Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India.
Binod Kumar
Irrigation Research Station Bikramganj, (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour), India.
Shirin Akhtar
Department of Horticulture (Vegetable Science), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210 (Bihar), India.
Kumari Rajani
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India and Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea-854302 (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour), India.
Bal Krishna
Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea-854302 (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour), India.
Ravi Ranjan Kumar
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India and Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea-854302 (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an essential vegetable crop that is consumed globally, particularly in areas that are prone to drought. Due to its remarkable range of sizes and shapes, this vegetable is highly valued for both nutritional content and aesthetic appeal. Because of its high protein content, potent antioxidants, and vital minerals, brinjal is a valuable supplement to a balanced diet. Brinjal is widely grown in Bihar, India, but little is known about the genetic diversity among its genotypes, despite its importance in agriculture and the economy. In order to develop improved varieties with improved traits such as: increased yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability, breeding programs must have a thorough understanding of genetic variation present within the species and its wild relatives. The genetic diversity of 19 brinjal genotypes —16 inbred lines and three wild varieties —was assessed in this study using 21 SSR markers. EM107, EM114, EM133, EM140, EM145, EMB01I13, EMB01D10, and EMK03O04 were the eight polymorphic markers used in the genetic analysis. The genotypes were grouped into two major clusters using UPGMA clustering, and these clusters were further subdivided into four sub-clusters according to their genetic similarity. The degree to which the various genotypes are related to one another was revealed by this classification. The markers EMK03O04 (0.3957) and EMB01D10 (0.4139) had the highest Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values, suggesting that they are very useful and informative in differentiating among the genetic variants found in the brinjal genotypes. To further enhance our understanding of genetic diversity, future research is encouraged to encompass a wider variety of genotypes and markers, paving the way for more comprehensive insights into this important vegetable crop. This would serve to deepen the knowledge of genetic diversity in this significant vegetable crop further, ultimately leading to improved varieties.
Keywords: Brinjal, inbred, molecular diversity, Solanum melongena, SSR markers, wild relatives