Morphological and microsatellite characterization of improved Lablab purpureus genotypes

Lablab purpureus is a multipurpose legume mainly grown by subsistence farmers for pulse, forage and vegetable. Despite these diverse uses that can be combined successfully under various agronomic conditions, the bean has not been extensively exploited. Dolichos production in Kenya constrained low yielding varieties, pests, poor growing techniques varieties with non-preferred taste flavor. A study to characterize six newly bred genotypes (G2, B1, M5, LG1, W7 G2), was initiated at University of Eldoret using morphological molecular markers. Morphological traits (qualitative quantitative) were characterized descriptors genus Lablab. Molecular characterization done KEPHIS- Muguga laboratory, ten SSR markers are specific Dolichos. Results from demonstrated high variation both qualitative quantitative evaluated. Most highly significant 99.999% or (P≤ 0.001), except number racemes per plant seeds pod which 99.99% 0.01) 99.95% 0.05), respectively. Microsatellite analysis produced polymorphic primers mapping an average 3.17 alleles locus. The combination DNA-based takes advantage best features marker types beneficial selection process integrates application breeding. Key words: (Lablab purpureus), microsatellites (SSR), genetic diversity.