Microsatellite-based genetic diversity in selected exotic and indigenous maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines differing in total kernel carotenoids

A set of 24 diverse maize inbred lines, selected on the basis of their total kernel carotenoid concentration, were characterized using 36 microsatellite/simple sequence repeat markers distributed throughout the genome. A total of 140 polymorphic SSR alleles was detected, with a mean of four allelesper locus.The study led to the identification of eight informative SSR loci detecting 10 unique alleles. The average polymorphism information content was 0.55, with a range of 0.18 to 0.78. Genetic dissimilarity calculated using Jaccard's coefficient varied from 0.41 to 0.94 with a mean of 0.77. Cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean showed four major clusters among the inbred lines. High degree of congruence was observed between clustering pattern and the pedigree data. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) also depicted the genetic diversity amongthe selected inbred lines.The study led to identification of genetically diverse and phenotypically contrasting inbred lines.These inbred lines can be potentially used in developing suitable mapping populations for QTL analysis, besides generating hybrid combinations with desirable kernel carotenoids.