AFLP and RAPD analyses of intra- and interspecific variation in some Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis (Leguminosae) species

Abstract

Nine wild taxa from genus Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis (Leguminosae) were analysed by AFLP and RAPD methodologies. The objectives of these analyses were to describe the intraspecific variation in two widely distributed taxa, V. radiata var. sublobata (Roxb.)Verdcourt and V. trinervia (Heyne ex Wight & Arn.) Tateishi & Maxted, that have been confused with each other taxonomically. The genetic relationship between V. trinervia var. trinervia and V. trinervia var. bourneae (formerly known as V. bourneae Gamble) was also examined. In addition, a population recently collected in Myanmar, tentatively identified as V. dalzelliana, was analysed to determine its relationship to several other subgenus Ceratotropis species. The results supported the taxonomic revision of V. radiata var. sublobata and V. trinervia into two distinct species. Also, the new treatment of V. bourneae as a variety of V. trinervia is supported by this study. V. radiata var. sublobata has variation that reflects its origin, whereas this is not the case for V. trinervia. The V. dalzelliana-like accession from Myanmar was aligned with species in section Angulares of the subgenus Ceratotropis, but was considered to be quite distinct from other section Angulares species analysed in the study.