Characteristics and molecular identification of differentially expressed genes in some cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] accessions

This study assessed the genetic diversity among 20 accessions of cowpea using morphological traits and molecular methods. The seeds were planted in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Data from both morphological and molecular evaluations were used to reveal the major sources of genetic variation among the studied cowpeas. The dendrogram obtained revealed two distinct clusters. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis also generated a two-dimension scatter plot that revealed the relationship among the 20 accessions of the cowpea. The principal components 1 and 2 contributed significantly to the total variation observed among the studied accessions. The result from statistical analysis showed some significant differences among the quantitative characters observed which assisted in studying the genetic variation among the lines. The molecular study revealed important traits in some of the accessions analysed which can be used for genetic identification and improvement of the crop. Result of the sequence analysis revealed the nucleotide sequence of the genes and their expressions. The study enabled us to identify each accession as a distinct genotype and its differentially expressed gene. The substantial amount of 50% diversity among the accession is a useful source of germplasm for the enhancement of traits that are of high priority for cowpea crop improvement