Genetic diversity in Indian bean (Lablab purpureus) germplasm based on morphological traits and RAPD markers

The genetic diversity among 48 Indian bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) genotypes, collected from various parts of India, was analyzed based on morphological traits and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. All the genotypes, grown in randomized block design with three replications over two consecutive years, were used to record the 15 morphological traits. Twentyfive RAPD primers amplified 6-12 banding patterns for a total of 215 scorable and 178 polymorphic bands. In cluster analysis based on morphological traits and molecular markers, the genotypes were grouped in three and two clusters, respectively. Result of cluster analysis based on RAPD data showed positive correlation with morphological characters based on Mantel's test (r = 0.1417). The wide genetic variation observed for L purpureus in India indicates that India has a rich genetic diversity for this species and that there is an ample scope for its genetic improvement.