Genetic Diversity and Structure Analysis of a Worldwide Collection of Faba bean (Vicia faba) Genotypes using ISSR Markers

Abstract

The success of breeding programs depends on the extent of genetic variability. Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) have been widely utilized in investigations, including the characterization of many plant species genetically. This research aimed to examine both the genetic diversity and relationships of 92 faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes from different geographical areas using ISSR markers. Eleven ISSR primers generated a total of 189 repeatable amplified bands, of which 109 were polymorphic. Values of polymorphism information content (PIC) and gene diversity averaged 0.3484 and 0.1438 and ranged 0.089–0.715 and 0.0742–0.2065, respectively. The studied accessions of faba bean plant differentiated into four main clusters, prevalently based on geographical origin through UPGMA clustering analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), deriving four major groupings based on pedigree and origin relationships. The STRUCTURE software analysis results were significantly aligned with the PCA and showed five main clusters; each one represents one continent. AMOVA showed high variation and differentiation among nations from different continents. The discrimination power of ISSR markers obtained in this study suggests that they could be used to examine the diversity of faba bean genotypes efficiently and precisely and encourage targeted crossing strategies. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers