Assessment of genetic diversity ofGuizotia abyssinica(L.f.) Cass. (Asteraceae) from Ethiopia using amplified fragment length polymorphism

Abstract

Seventeen populations of niger (Guizotia abyssinica), representing all regions in Ethiopia where this crop is grown, were investigated using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique, in order to determine the extent and distribution of its genetic diversity. A total of 539 AFLP loci were scored using seven primer combinations applied to 170 individual plants. Of these, 90% were polymorphic and all the individuals investigated were genetically unique. Despite the fact that most of the variation was within populations, populations were differentiated at a significant level (analysis of molecular variance;P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between populations in relation to the extent and altitude of cultivation. A significant positive correlation was revealed between Nei's standard genetic distance and geographic distance. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis revealed that populations from the same regions were clustered together in most cases. Further collection of niger germplasm from areas underrepresented in gene bank collections is recommended.