Genetic Diversity Analysis of 122 Lupin PI Lines Using AFLP Markers.

Lupin is an important legume around the world. In the early part of 20th century, it has been used as a cover crop in several parts of the country. However, due to the phenomenal success of soybean in US agriculture system and the presence of some undesirable alkaloids in older varieties, it did not receive due attention as a major legume crop. USDA, by a concerted effort has collected a large number of PI lines for breeding and cultivation in US from various parts of world. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic base of the collected germplasm. We used AFLP markers for exploring the genetic diversity of lupin PI lines in the USDA germplasm collection. DNA was isolated and fluorescent labeled AFLP fragments were separated on CEQ 8800 genetic analyzer. Size of AFLP fragments were determined using AFLP 600 size standard and scored as 1 and 0 for presence and absence.

A total of 20 EcoR1+Mse1primer combinations were used in the AFLP analysis of the 122 Lupin PI lines. However, 2 did not produce consistent amplification profiles among majority of the varieties and therefore were dropped from the analysis. The 18 primer pairs amplified a total of 2277 fragments that were detected and scored. The data set was analyzed with NTSYSpc Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System version 2.2 and genetic similarities were determined using various coefficients of similarities. The results will help in understanding the genetic similarities/dis-similarities of the collected germplasm. The information about the genetic relationships will help in making informed decisions for selecting parents to develop new and improved lupin cultivars.