Diversity and Agro-Morphological Characteristics of Nigerian Sesam (Sesamum
Indicum L.) Cultivars using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers
Friday Nwalo Nweke1*, Celestine Azubuike Afiukwa2, Emmanuel Nwaforagu Uchewa3, David Okeh Igwe2
, Friday Nkwegu2, Usman Aliyu4, Kingsely Ekene Nwagu1, Emmanuel Okechukwu Ogueji5 and Anayo Joseph Uraku6
1Department of Biology/Microbiology/Biotechnology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Nigeria;
2Department of Biotechnology, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria; 3Department of Animal Science,
EBSU, Abakaliki, Nigeria; 4National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Niger State, Nigeria; 5Department of Fisheries
and Aquaculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Nigeria; 6Department of Biochemistry, EBSU,
Abakaliki, Nigeria. *Corresponding author, fridaynwalo@yahoo.com
Abstract
Sixty sesame accessions from eight locations in Nigeria were assessed for agro-morphological
traits using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. DNA was isolated using modified
cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide extraction method. The cultivars were assessed for genetic
diversity using eight random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. The agronomic assessment was
also conducted and the results showed that germination period ranged 3-7 d. Mean 100-seed weight
was 3.6±0.3 mg, while mean seed pod was 56 pods per plant, with days to flowering ranging 48-62
d. Seeds size ranged 50.6-79.3 mm, while plant height was 1.4±1.7 m. Dendrogram generated using
unweighted pair groups mean arithmetic analysis separated the accessions into six major groups
of two clusters and some independent cultivars with a bootstrap value of 45-60%. The polymorphic
information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.3-0.9. The RAPD marker OPT-10 showed
polymorphic characteristics, while OPB-11 was monomorphic with least PIC value. Results of PCR
amplifications indicated high level of genetic diversity among the accessions and farmers can select
varieties for breeding purposes based on agro-morphological traits.
Keywords: Agro-morphological, RAPD markers, sesame cultivars
Vol 45:(1) April 2020