GENETIC DIVERSITY IN BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (Vigna subterranean) AS REVEALED BY MOLECULAR WEIGHTS OF THE SEEDS’ PROTEINS

Abstract

Nine accessions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.,syn. Voandzeia subterranea (L.) Thouars ex DC.) obtained from National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Oyo state, were assessed for their genetic and phylogenetic relatedness through electrophoretic analysis of the seed proteins. 0.2g of the seeds were weighed and macerated with mortar and pestle in 0.2M phosphate buffer containing 0.133M of acid (NaH2PO4) and 0.067 of base (Na2HPO4) at pH 6.5. Protein characterization with standard marker revealed that the seeds of the nine accessions contained proteins (B.S.A, Oval Albumin, Pepsinogen, Trypsinogen and Lysozyme) with molecular weights ranging from 66kda and above, 45 – 65 kDa, 44 – 33 kda, 32-24 kDa and 23-14 kDa, respectively. The student T-test revealed that accessions B, C, E, F, H and I have molecular weights not significantly different from one another (P<0.05) while samples A, D and G showed significantly different values (P>0.05). All the accessions had at least two proteins and two major bands in common. The study revealed intra-specific similarities and genetic diversity in protein contents among the nine accessions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterraranea (L.) Verdc.syn

Assessment of genetic diversity and structure of Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) verdc.] landraces in South Africa

“…Most of genetic diversity investigations documented high levels of genetic diversity among Bambara groundnut landraces sampled across large geographic regions 12 , 21 , 22 . Limited studies of the genetic structure of Bambara landraces have been conducted 21 , 23 .…”

“…The potential of this ‘miracle’ crop has not yet been explored to its full extent in South Africa, while Shegro et al 6 suggested that information on genetic variability among available local accessions (landraces) of Bambara groundnut can contribute to an improvement program in this country. Screening these Bambara landraces and the assessment of the genetic diversity of this poorly understood minor legume can provide breeders with genetic resources to assist with crop improvement including, yield, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance as well as the adaptability of the crop to various environments, which can contribute to the enhancement and maintenance of food security 12 .…”

“…Somta et al 23 suggested that the exploitation of the genetic diversity of Bambara groundnut landraces, will increase its potential as food, feed and cultivation in diverse environments. Bambara groundnut landraces from major growing centres, including southern, western, eastern and central Africa, as well as Asian regions have been characterized to determine the level of genetic diversity within and between landrace germplasm 5 , 12 , 20 – 23 .…”