Molecular Characterization of some Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) (Moench] Accessions from Sudan in Relation to Racial Classification

Abstract

The genetic diversity among a group of 20 sorghum accessions
from Sudan were assessed with RAPD molecular marker. Out of 572
amplified PCR bands scored, 61.1% were polymorphic. Estimates of the
genetic similarity among the accessions ranged from 60% to 93%. A
dendrogram, constructed on the basis of similarly matrix data, categorized
the accessions into two main groups: a major one comprising nine groups
involving 14 accessions and a smaller one consisting of two groups
involving four accessions. The race Caudatum and its hybrids and the
Durra race and its hybrids were detected in 18 and 16 of the accessions
tested, respectively, whereas the races Bicolor and Guinea were
represented each by only one accession and Kafir by two accessions.
There was agreement between the relationships revealed by molecular
characterization and those reflected by racial classification in some cases
but not in others. Thus, in future, to ensure a more complete and
informative characterization of the germplasm., both molecular and
morphological methods should be used.