Genetic Diversity of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Accession in Kenya Gene Bank Based on Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
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Date
2016
Authors
Wamalwa, Emily N.
Muoma, John
Wekesa, Clabe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
Increased agricultural production is an urgent issue. Projected global population is 9 million people by mid of this century.
Estimation projects death of 1million people for lack of food quality (micronutrient deficit) and quantity (protein deficit).Majority
of these people will be living in developing countries. Other global challenges include shrinking cultivable lands, salinity, and
flooding due to climate changes, new emerging pathogens, and pests.These affect crop production. Furthermore, they are major
threats to crop genetic resources and food security.Genetic diversity in cultivated crops indicates gene pool richness. It is the greatest
resource for plant breeders to select lines that enhance food security.This study was conducted by Masinde Muliro University to
evaluate genetic diversity in 19 cowpea accessions fromKenya national gene bank. Accessions clustered into twomajor groups.High
divergence was observed between accessions from Ethiopia and Australia and those fromWestern Kenya. Upper Volta accessions
were closely related to those fromWesternKenya. Lowvariationwas observed between accessions fromEastern andRift Valley than
those from Western and Coastal regions of Kenya. Diversity obtained in this study can further be exploited for the improvement
of cowpea in Kenya as a measure of food security.
Description
Research Article
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Citation
International Journal of Genomics Volume 2016, Article ID 8956412, 5 pages