Genetic diversity among greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) genotypes varying in micronutrient (Fe and Zn) content using RAPD markers

Abstract

Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, commonly known as greengram or mungbean, is an important food legume that has inexpensive, low flatulence protein, which makes it indispensable in Indian vegetarian diet. There is a global effort to breed and disseminate new bio-fortified varieties rich in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content to fight hidden hunger. RAPD polymorphism among 16 mungbean genotypes using 33 decamer primers revealed 148 amplified bands with an average of 6.16 bands per primer, of which 142 were polymorphic and 6 were monomorphic. The similarity coefficients among different genotypes ranged from 0.40-0.89 and the genotypes were categorized into two major clusters. Fe content (mg/kg) varied from 44.52 in GP-181 to 106.15 in Ganga-8, while Zn content (mg/kg) varied from 23.31 in Satya to 40.46 in ML-776. High Fe and Zn genotypes did not cluster together; however, RAPD markers were efficient for identification of genotypes—high Fe (85.1 mg/kg) and high zinc (46.31 mg/kg) ML-776 and low Fe (46.31mg/kg) and low Zn (23.31 mg/kg) Satya, falling in two different subgroups based on cluster analysis. These genotypes can be used in linkage analysis by developing mapping population to tag this trait.