Unexpected pattern of pearl millet genetic diversity among ethno-linguistic groups in the Lake Chad Basin.

ABSTRACT: Despite of a growing interest in considering the role of sociological factors in seed exchanges and their consequences on the evolutionary dynamics of agro-biodiversity, very few studies assessed the link between ethno-linguistic diversity and genetic diversity patterns in small-holder farming systems. This is key for optimal improvement and conservation of crop genetic resources. Here, we investigated genetic diversity at 17 SSR markers of pearl millet landraces (varieties named by farmers) in the Lake Chad Basin. 69 pearl millet populations, representing 27 landraces collected in eight ethno-linguistic farmer groups, were analyzed. We found that the farmers' local taxonomy was not a good proxy for population's genetic differentiation as previously shown at smaller scales. Our results sho

SUBMITTER: Naino Jika AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5520532 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature