Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Soybean (Glycine max) Genotypes Using Qualitative Traits and Microsatellite Markers

Genetic diversity among 45 genotypes of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) was assessed based on qualitative traits and 36 microsatellite markers. Forty-five genotypes were characterized for eleven morphological traits: leaf shape, leaf intensity of green colour, leaf size of lateral leaflet, plant growth habit, variation in hilum colour, cotyledon/flower colour, hairiness, hair colour, pod colour, testa colour and seed shape. Principal component analysis revealed that genotypes, namely JS-95-60, JS-20-103, JS20-69, JS-20-114, JS-20-49 and JS-335, were diverged from each other, and the range of polymorphic information content for microsatellite markers was 0.018–0.580. With 27 polymorphic SSR markers, a total of 71 alleles were amplified with an average of 1.97 alleles per locus. Eleven alleles were found to be unique to 45 genotypes. Soybean genotypes distributed in two clusters revealed diverse genetic background. Overall, the present study paves the way for better characterization of soybean genotypes and confirms India as one of the important centres of soybean domestication containing valuable genetically important assets for soybean improvement.