The Use of ISSR markers for clustering sesame genotypes based on geographical origin

Abstract Sesame (Sesamum indicum) germplasm in Indonesia is very diverse with morphological characteristics that looks very similar. Morphological characteristic is affected by the environment which has resulted into data inconsistencies. Genetic variations in Sesame germplasm markers such as Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) could be used to analyze the genetic relationship. This study aimed to determine the genetic relationship between 81 accessions of sesame plants using ISSR markers. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative with a sample of 81 sesame accessions. The primers were three ISSR primers, namely I2, T21, T22, and one RAPD primer, namely S1, as a comparison primer to the three of those. The analysis produced 29 DNA bands which 100% are polymorphic bands. Through phylogenetic analysis, the sesame collections clustered into seven major groups. There were clear separation of some accessions based on their geographical origin. ISSR markers can identify sesame germplasm diversity and provide helpful information for sesame breeding and germplasm management programs.