Genetic diversity analysis in maize (Zea mays L.) using SSR markers

A set of eight maize genotypes was subjected to genetic diversity analysis using 22 SSR primers. Out of 22 SSR primers, 9 primers were polymorphic and displayed clear size differences. A total of 19 polymorphic alleles were generated through the 9 polymorphic primers with an average polymorphism information content and genetic diversity value of 0.297 and 0.373, respectively. The phi064 and phi053 was found as the best marker for identification of genotypes as revealed by PIC values (0.367). By using UPGMA cluster analysis, the eight genotypes were grouped under 3 clusters. The genetic distances based on SSR marker analysis varied from 0.21 - 0.64. The distances measured based on SSR primers showed that the BML7 was most diverse genotype. The variability detected among the genotypes using SSR markers in this study could be utilize for the exploitation of heterosis and development of genetically diverse populations in maize breeding improvement programs.