Genetic characterization and species relationships among selected Asiatic Vigna Savi

Twenty-four ISSR primers were employed for diversity analysis, genotyping and assessment of species relationships in Asiatic Vigna from the Indian subcontinent. A total of 396 fragments were scored with an average of 16.5 products per primer. Primer no 827 was the most informative primer with highest resolving power (Rp), marker index (MI) as well as genotypic index (GI). Linear correlation was observed between Rp, MI and GI. The wild forms, V. mungo var. silvestris, V. radiata var. sublobata and V. radiata var. setulosa grouped closer to their respective cultigens. V. hainiana emerged as a distinct taxon and seems to be more primitive in comparison to the other close wild relatives of greengram and blackgram. Moderate gene flow and genetic differentiation was detected between the species analyzed. Analysis of molecular variance performed for the group (mungo–radiata–hainiana) in three different combinations revealed that nearly half of the variation exists within the populations while the remaining half is equally distributed among species and among populations within species.