Genetic Diversity, Phylogenetics and Molecular Systematics of Guizotia

Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and DNA sequencing were applied to study the genetic diversity, phylogenetics, and molecular systematics of this genus. A large number of niger populations, representing all regions in Ethiopia where this crop is grown, was investigated using AFLP and RAPD molecular marker techniques. The extent of genetic variation in niger is distributed throughout its growing regions, regardless of the extent and altitude of cultivation. Despite the fact that most of the variation was within populations, significant population differentiation was obtained (AMOVA; P < 0.001) in all guizotias. It is concluded that both G. abyssinica and its wild and/or weedy relatives have wide genetic bases that need to be conserved and utilized for the improvement of G. abyssinica. Further collection of niger germplasm and exploration and conservation of highly localized guizotias are recommended. Most of the diagnostic markers generated from AFLPs and RAPDs in this study were specific to G. arborescens and G. zavattarii. Phylogenetic analyses of the genus Guizotia were undertaken based on molecular sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer