Genetic relationships revealed by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers among Ghanaian cassava cultivars released by different research groups

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important staple crop in Ghana and it is widely cultivated.
The crop has diverse industrial applications. Knowledge about the state of cassava genetic structure in Ghana is paramount in any cultivar improvement especially through breeding for superior qualities. The objectives of the study were to assess the SSR allele polymorphism, and the estimation of inter- and intra-population genetic diversity among released cassava cultivars. The results showed high diversity among the studied cultivars with an average of seven alleles per locus. Polymorphic loci varied from 68.6 per cent to 100 per cent with an average of 88.58 per cent. Genetic diversity was observed within populations (HS = 0.552) and, therefore, suggesting a low rate of inter-population gene flow among the individuals constituting the populations.