Genetic diversity of Vicia faba L. based on random amplified polymorphic DNA and simple sequence repeat markers

The genetic diversity of 13 Tunisian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions, and the commercial variety “Aguadulce”, were studied using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. In comparison to RAPD markers, SSRs showed a higher level of polymorphism and greater information content, as assessed by the expected heterozygosity. One hundred and fourteen bands were amplified using six SSR primer combinations and 376 bands were observed using four RAPD primers. The percentages of polymorphic fragments were 100% and 60.63% for SSR and RAPD markers, respectively. The polymorphism information content, gene diversity and population differentiation test were 0.370, 0.490 and 0.746, respectively, for SSR markers and 0.319, 0.406 and 0.775 for RAPD markers. The correlation coefficients of similarity based on the Mantel test were statistically significant for the both marker systems used, but were higher for SSR data than for RAPD. Dendrogram topologies, conducted separately on polymorphic RAPD and SSR markers, showed minor differences in the grouping of accessions. The dendrogram based on combined RAPD and SSR data sets identified clustering of accessions according to their geographic diffusion. Collectively, these results will aid Tunisian faba bean germplasm management, conservation and breeding.