Genetic diversity and structure of Asian cowpea germplasm.

ABSTRACT: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp., 2n = 2x = 22) is a vital dryland legume crop, renowned for its affordable dietary protein and essential nutrients for humans and animals. Cowpea originated in Africa and spread to various parts of the world through human migration, eventually reaching Asia. However, genetic diversity and structure in Asia cowpea remain poorly understood. This study utilized 6334 SilicoDArT and 14,482 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 405 cowpea accessions from 17 different countries, sourced from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) genebank in Japan. We used population structure, principal component analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components, and phylogenetic tr

SUBMITTER: Ofem NP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313949 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature