Microsatellite markers-based assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in arecanut (Areca catechu L.)

Genetic relationships existing amongst 60 arecanut accessions were assessed by employing nine polymorphic microsatellite primers. A total of 42 alleles were detected, with an average of 4.66 alleles per locus. The PIC values ranged from 0.50 to 0.78, with an average of 0.69. Expected heterozygosity (He) was highest for the exotic accessions (0.31), moderate for Konkan- I and II accessions, while the least heterozygosity was observed for the accessions from Maidhan tract (Karnataka) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mean fixation index (Fst) of 0.28 indicated a high level of population differentiation. The UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the accessions in to two major clusters- the indigenous Konkan accessions clustered separately in a distinct cluster along with Maidhan accessions. In the second major cluster, indigenous accessions from North East India formed a unique sub-cluster, while accessions from Andaman and Nicobar Islands were grouped with exotic accessions.