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Abstract

Genetic characterization of Nigerian sesame genotype (Sesamum indicum L.) and its relationship with phytochemical composition was investigated using simple sequence repeat markers as well as standard and spectrophotometric methods of the Association of Analytical Chemists. High genetic variability was observed among the genotypes with the repeat motifs (TC12-TC25) generated from ten highly informative primer pairs. The 30 accessions were divided into six main groups and two cultivars not belonging to any group on the basis of an un-weighted pair-group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis. The average allele per microsatellite locus was 4.6 alleles and the genetic distances among the accessions ranged from 0 to 0.12. The phytochemical screening showed tannins with 1.72±0.35 mg/100g; flavonoids 1.14±0.37 mg/100g; saponins 2.40±0.66 mg/100g; glycosides 0.42±0.14 mg/100g and alkaloids 5.89±0.58 mg/100g. The results showed the occurrence of cultivar groupings by microsatellite polymorphisms on the basis of the phytochemical composition of the seeds. Significant variation occurred in phytochemical composition in the cultivars clustered on the basis of microsatellite polymorphisms. The broad genetic base observed in the Nigerian sesame germplasm would provide the basis for the selection of genotypes for future plant breeding programs.

Biography

Nweke obtained Ph.D. in Biotechnology at the age of 39 years from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. He had Research visit to University of Pretoria, South Africa and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He holds (B.Sc.) degree in Applied Biochemistry, M.Sc in Applied Biochemistry, and M.Sc. Nutritional Biochemistry respectively. He has many articles published in reputable Journals. He is a Member of Biotechnology Society of Nigeria and Nigeria Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.