ARS | Publication request: MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF GUAR (CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBA) GERMPLASM

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 14, 2004
Publication Date: October 31, 2004
Citation: Morris, J.B., Barkley, N.L., Dean, R.E., Wang, M.L. 2004. Molecular characterization of guar (cyamopsis tetragonoloba) germplasm. In: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts, Madison, WI. CDROM.

Technical Abstract: The USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (PGRCU) conserves more than 200 acccessions within the guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] collection. Guar contains soluble fibers and are used as nutraceuticals and industrial additives. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic variability of guar using simple sequence repeats (SSR's) and morphological data. Morphological data for over 100 accessions have been recorded from plants growing in the field or greenhouse. Among these, ninety-six accessions have been selected and further characterized and evaluated with a set of 20 transferred SSR markers. These accessions can be clearly categorized into two cluster (15 accessions for the first cluster and 81 accessions for the second cluster). Morphological characterizations show several distinct differences in leaf size, leaf texture, number of branches, and foliage among these 96 accessions. Two accessions from each cluster will be selected for phytochemical analysis. These morphological, phytochemical, and genetic data will be used for its germplasm enhancement and crop improvement.