Genetic Architecture for Seed Yield and it’s Contributing Traits in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers were use to determined the genetic variability of eight divers cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) genotypes from different eco-geographical regions of India. Total primers 40 out of there 35 could be generated DNA fragment were 1479 but were as 1159 showed polymorphic pattern with 78.34 per cent. The polymorphism was scored and used in band sharing analysis to identify genetic relationship between the genotypes. Dendrogram produced by the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient determine two groups. Similarity indices were ranging from 0.423 to 0.739. The highest similarity coefficient was observed between genotypes GC-3 and GC-4 indicated the less divergence between them or were found to be 100 per cent similar based on molecular analysis, but could not consider as duplicate due to used less number of primers with observed lowest similarity between genotypes GC-6 and Gangotri indicating more divergent. Our result suggested that, RAPD molecular markers data are efficient for measuring genetic diversity and relatedness and also aid in selection of diverse outstanding lines to be used in future breeding programs of cowpea.