Genetic Diversity Analysis in a Novel Set of Restorer Lines of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br] Using SSR Markers

Forty five novel fertility restorers in pearl millet having good combining ability consisting of those identified from African collection and Indian breeding material were used to dissect the genetic relatedness deploying SSR markers. The highest PIC value obtained was for PSMP 2081 (0.83), PSMP 2089 (0.81) and PSMP 2090 (0.81) with a range of 0 to 0.83 with an average PIC of 0.53. The discrimination rate of the markers used for diversity analysis ranged from 0.35 to 0.67 with an average of 0.56 indicating their ability to discern the genetic distances adequately. DARwin's tree constructed using the SSR marker data formed eight distinct clusters with accessions of similar pedigrees grouping together though not as a rule. This study indicates the importance of maintenance breeding by detecting heterozygosity among the genotypes and the ability of SSR markers in discerning the diversity