Seed Storage Protein Electrophoresis in Groundnut for Evaluating Genetic Diversity

One hundred and fifty one accessions of groundnut representing five continents were evaluated for total seed protein by SDS-PAGE using slab type gel electrophoresis with 11.25 % polyacrylamide gel. Five major bands were recorded and most of the accessions were similar and only 8 differed for one band. Due to low genetic diversity for SDS-PAGE, 2D-electrophoresis was suggested to separate various proteins observed on gel. SDS-PAGE might be used for interspecific diversity and phylogenetic or evolutionary relationships among various species rather than intraspecific variation. Low genetic diversity may be attributed towards narrow genetic base of the crop or A. hypogaea spread all over the world from same origin. Further collection and acquisition of cultivated as well as wild groundnut should be strengthened to find a broad based germplasm for future use. Hybridization between accessions from two groups i.e., one with all 5 bands and other missing band 4 is suggested to investigate inheritance and linkage of this band. This might be linked with other agronomic characters that would help in planning experiments for marker assisted breeding in groundnut.