Genetic variability and population structure analysis in ricebean (Vigna umbellata) genotypes from northeast India

Assessing the genetic variability at molecular level gives a clear idea of plant genetic resource distribution and extent of diversity among and within the available population. In the present study, 120 ricebean (Vigna umbellate L.) genotypes collected from different states of Northeast (NE) regions of India. The genetic variability and population structure estimated from the information generated by 23 SSR markers. A total of 59 alleles with an average of 2.57 alleles per SSR locus were detected. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranges from 0.129 to 0.548. The genotypes were grouped into 3 major clusters in both UPGMA and Model-based (STRUCTURE) cluster analysis. Clusters I genotypes were observed with the highest mean yield. The clustering pattern did not show a relationship between geographic distribution and the pattern of grouping of genotypes. The results suggested that the elite genotypes can be used as parent for further crop improvement strategies and creates the necessity of diverged germplasm conservation.