SUMMARY

Genetic diversity was estimated in a collection of 64 velvetbean accessions from different eco-geographical regions using amplified fragment length poly-morphism (AFLP). Genetic relationships within the accessions were evaluated by generating a similarity matrix based on Nei and Li’s (1979) similarity coefficient which ranges from 0 (no similarity) to 1 (perfect similarity). In the first study, the phenetic dendrogram (a system of classification of organisms based on overall or observable similarities) generated by UPGMA separated 40 velvetbean accessions into two main clusters. This grouping confirmed the existing phenological difference with regard to maturity. Similarity coefficients ranged from 0.87 to 0.97. In the second study, the phenetic dendrogram separated the 24 accessions into four main clusters. The cluster analysis indicated that velvetbean germplasm within the collection constitutes a broad genetic base with the values of genetic similarity ranging from 0.68 to 1.00. The grouping of a subcluster indicated differences with regard to growth habit. The level of genetic variability within the velvetbean accessions with AFLP analysis suggests that it is a reliable, efficient, and effective marker technology for delineating genetic relationships among genotypes and estimating genetic diversity, thereby enabling the formulation of appropriate strategies for velvetbean improvement programs