Morpho-molecular characterization of napier (Pennisetum purpureum) fodder mutants through SSR markers

Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) fodder is an important supporting livestock systems in Bangladesh. Using gamma irradiation we developed 48 mutants which were analyzed through morpho-molecular characterization. Among mutants, 41 originated by applying radiation (20Gy, 30Gy, 40Gy and 50 Gy) on them. The showed variations survival rate fresh weight. (0-75%) was observed, 20Gy treated plants produced higher weight Napier-2, Napier-3, Rokona, Markiron grasses; whereas, 30Gy Napier-1, Napier-4 Pakchong. total of the alleles found molecular characterization 17 mean number allele per locus 3.4. PIC value ranged from 0.3047 to 0.6587 having average 0.4704 locus. highest gene diversity (0.7101) observed primer Xipes0093 lowest (0.3750) PSMP2255, 0.5286. Pair wise genetic distance values (0.0-1.0) with between Napier-2 40 Gy vs (Napier-1control, 30Gy), -3 control, Napier- 3 30Gy) ,(Napier-3 20Gy, Napier-3 Napier-1 50Gy) (Napier -2 20Gy) etc. UPGMA displayed five major clusters including sub-clusters. Cluster 5 included genotypes (21) cluster (2). results may be useful for future breeding program development. SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 105-119 (2022)