Use of genomic and genic SSR markers for assessing genetic diversity and population structure in Indian and African finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) germplasm

Genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed in 67 diverse finger millet accessions of African and Indian origin. A total of 69 alleles were generated with a mean of 4.0 alleles per locus and with an average gene diversity of 0.471. Molecular diversity parameters showed higher values in African accessions. Nineteen rare and nine unique alleles were observed and the identified accessions can be a potential source for further improvement of finger millet. Clustering of south Indian accessions with African lowland types and north/highland Indian accessions with that of African highlands was also observed. Structure analysis revealed the distinctness of Ugandan accessions compared to other African accessions and five major sub-populations useful for parental selection, conservation, and utilization of finger millet.