Molecular Characterization of Genetic Diversity and Structure in South Indian Musa Cultivars

Ten STMS loci were used to genotype thirty eight Musa cultivars representing six genome groups (AA, AB, BB, AAA, AAB and ABB). Number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 4 with a total of 27 alleles with an average of 2.7 alleles per primer pair. Moderate levels of average genetic diversity was observed (HE=0.42). Observed number of alleles per locus was high (2.5) in AA group followed by an average of 2.1 in AAB group. Average genetic diversity and Shannons information index was highest in AA group with mean values 0.42 and 0.69, respectively. Average Fst value of 0.33 and an average Fis value of -0.11 were observed over all loci. The cluster analysis using the Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method displayed five clusters within two main groups that can be described by ploidy and genome constitution.