S02 - Session O4 - I - Genetic Diversity of African Nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) Complex Grown in Kenya Using SSR Markers

Authors: Rose Onamu *, Leonard Wamocho, Solomon Shibairo, Jenepher Mafuta

African nightshade ( Solanum nigrum L.) is a leafy vegetable consumed for its high nutritional and medicinal value in Kenya. The study was designed to assess the genetic diversity and identity among thirty accessions. A total of 87 allels ranging from 2 to 12 allels per marker were scored. High polymorphic scores of 98% were achieved with average PIC value of 0.82 (0.6-0.9). Five clusters were generated, with the accessions distinct. Geographical location did not influence the clustering. The SSR markers used were reliable in differentiating among the accessions.