Determination of Genetic Diversity of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Accessions in Eastern Region of Kenya Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers

There is scanty information on tamarind’s genetic diversity in Easter Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine the 64 tamarind accessions from Eastern Kenya using 12 Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. DNA extracted young apical leaves modified CTAB method and amplified standard PCR. data collected were scored as presence (1) or absence (0) bands then compared 100bp ladder analyzed GeneAlex R softwares. Only seven primers produced reproducible bands. A total 46 alleles for 7 loci with an average 6.6 per loci. Polymorphic content (PIC) varied 0.72 0.89 0.74 0.9. ISSR markers revealed effective polymorphism 40.87 99.46% band sizes 100 1000 bp. Analysis Molecular Variance (AMOVA) depicted high variation within populations at 90% least 10% among population. first 3 components Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) contributed 40.83% variation. Hierarchical cluster grouped into major distinct groups. Tamarind different counties minimal variations counties, proving that exists region High evident Embu Masinga accessions. Diversity can be utilized marker-assisted breeding primer ISSR17899A ISSRHB11 explored studying genes code various traits