Diversity among selected blackgram accessions on the basis of RAPD and ISSR markers

Abstract

Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] commonly known as Kalai or Urd bean is originated in India and was domesticated from Vigna mungo var. sylvestris. It is an important grain legume for South and South-East Asia and India is most important producer of all. Besides, being used as food for inexpensive source of dietary protein it is better to use for bean sprouts than mungbean for its longer shelf life. In India it is grown both in winter and summer as monocrop and intercrop, respectively. That's why no single plant type is appropriate for all production systems [1]. So the variability among the existing germplasms or the accessions is the primary need to develop appropriate plant type for specific production system. The lack of knowledge on characterization and classification of the considerable diversity present among Indian collections results in poor exploitation of these plant resources. Genetic diversity analysis is traditionally done based on difference in morphological characteristics, which is mostly influenced by environmental factors. Studies based on seed proteins and isoenzymes are not so efficient owing to lack of polymorphism as well as being influenced by environment, source tissue and plant developmental stages.