DNA-based relatedness of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes using DNA amplification fingerprinting

DAF technology applied to two parental inbred lines (ITS 84-2049 and 524 B) and four other selected varieties of cowpea (Mougne, Ndiambour, Mouride and Diogoma) revealed informative and reproducible banding patterns. The different lines showed several common bands but also some specific ones which attest of intra-varietal diversity also revealed by the inheritance of agronomical and botanical traits. The abundance of DNA bands showed that DAF markers are very informative for the determination of genotypic variation in cowpea, and suggests that these markers can be used for breeding purpose to quickly analyze and efficiently identify candidates for crossing. These markers are also an excellent complement to RAPD and RFLP markers already integrated into the cowpea map established at UC Davis California). DAF analysis and PAGE/SS are easy and very powerful technologies to screen the national cowpea germplasm collection in Senegal