Microsatellite (SSR) Analysis of Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) Germplasm in Namibia

Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet)) is a multipurpose drought tolerant protein-rich legume crop native to Africa and grown in warm temperate to tropical climates for its edible seeds and manure. Literature informs that Lablab purpureus holds significant benefits to subsistence farmers and offers a great promise for sustainable crop productivity, especially in marginalised areas. Its uses range from human consumption as a vegetable to improving soil fertility, and as forage. Not with standing Lablab purpureus crucial potential functions in Namibia, there is currently limited information regarding the plant’s genetic diversity. This study followed a descriptive quantitative research approach where the data collected was used to describe the samples collected. The study aimed at evaluating the genetic diversity among 26 accessions of Lablab purpureus. The plant’s genetic diversity was determined by PCR amplification of three SSR markers namely VM38, AGB8 and GATS911. The SSR markers had PIC values of 0.452663 for marker VM38, 0.473373 for marker AGB8 and 0.260355 for marker GATS911. The Shannon Index of diversity gave a value of 1.25  meaning low levels of genetic diversity among the accessions. The study was the first report of Lablab purpureus’s genetic diversity in Namibia.