Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) Landraces Based on Seed Storage Proteins Electrophoretic Pattern

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is a leguminous crop that is considered underutilized and has previously received little research attention. Variability in a number of physiological factors, including germination rate, widely affects its production. Seed storage protein, its fractions and protein profile of six Bambara groundnut local landraces were studied to assess their genetic relatedness. Total seed storage protein and its fractions were estimated by Bradford’s method. SDS-PAGE analysis was used to evaluate storage protein profile. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in protein contents among the landraces. The major seed storage proteins were found to be globulins (0.048 to 0.088mg/mL ), albumins (0.023 to 0.038mg/mL ), glutelins (0.007 to 0.013mg/mL ) and prolamins (0.002 to 0.004mg/mL ). Five peptide bands were detected with molecular weights corresponding to 97.4 kDa, 45 kDa, 29 kDa, 20.1 kDa and 18 kDa, respectively. Three peptide bands corresponding to 97.4 kDa, 45 kDa and 18 kDa were detected in all the landraces and two peptide bands between 29 kDa and 20.1 kDa were detected in five landraces. Dendrogram generated by UPGMA grouped the six landraces into one major cluster with two sub-clusters. The observed diversity in storage protein pattern of the landraces indicated their potential as materials for crop improvement