Diversity analysis and assessment of sectional relationship of Sect. Rhodochlamys and Musa balbisiana clones of section Eumusa through morpho taxonomic studies and microsatellite markers

The morpho-taxonomic data for 107 traits of the 22 test accessions belonging to Musa balbisiana clones of the section Eumusa and members of the section Rhodochlamys of the genus Musa were subjected to multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis. A total of 21 SSR primer pairs were tested to assess the microsatellite polymorphism in the same set of 22 accessions. Among the 21 primer pairs used, 18 primers (85.0%) pairs resulted in discrete and reproducible amplicons and these primers were considered for the genetic diversity analysis. A total of 153 alleles were identified from the 18 primer pairs with a mean of 8.5 alleles per primer pair. Highest polymorphism was observed in AGMI 161 -162 with 18 alleles followed by AGMI 24–25, 15 alleles. Results of morphological characterization suggested that balbisiana types displayed greater variability. Molecular characterization indicated that these two sections have closer genetic makeup.