Genetic Variability Via Protein Electrophoresis Among Some Nigerian Accessions of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)

Abstract

Purpose: Lack of genetic variability is a limitation to pigeon pea improvement. Hence the need to study the genetic variability of five accessions of pigeon pea with the view of isolating those that are with high yield and early maturity. Research Method: Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) was used in the protein extraction and genetic diversity was estimated using Paleontological Statistics (PAST). Findings: A total of 24 protein bands were obtained ranging from 10kDa to 170 KDa. The protein band with the highest molecular weight was generated in accession NG/AO/MAY/09/021, NG/AO/11/08/108, NG/SA/07/0180 and NG/SA/07/208 while lowest molecular weight i.e 10 KDa was generated in NG/AO/MAY/09/021. Highest similarity index was recorded (45.16%) in NG/SA/07/0180 and NG/SA/07/208 and lowest (13.04%) in NG/SA/07/0180 and NG/AO/MAY/09/021. The bands showed variability based on intensity and presence or absence of any of them among the accessions. Jaccard’s similarity separated the 5 accessions into two clusters at an UPGMA similarity coefficient range of 0.2 to 1. Originality/Value: Accession NG/AO/MAY/09/021 occupies a disti