Genetic diversity of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) revealed by SSR markers

Ten microsatellite markers were used to investigate genetic diversity and genetic structure among 32 accessions of Jatropha curcas. Low levels of average genetic diversity were observed (HE = 0.160). A dendrogram produced by the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) based on Nei’s genetic distances revealed 3 groups among 32 accessions. The genetic differentiation (FST) among two groups was significant (P < 0.01). The model-based Bayesian clustering method indicated that a population structure (ΔK) was separated into two groups. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed higher variability (63.753%) among groups than within groups (36.247%). These findings could assist in defining the best method of genetic conservation and studies in breeding programs for genetic improvement of J. curcas.