Genetic diversity of Philippine sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) germplasm using morphological and molecular markers
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Abstract
The genetic and phenotypic diversity of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) germplasm collected from Luzon, Philippines, was assessed through integrated morphological and molecular approaches. A total of 264 accessions, including released varieties, advanced lines, and hybrids, were characterized. Morphological evaluation revealed distinct variability in vegetative and storage root traits. Leaf morphology ranged from triangular to semi-elliptical with pigmentation varying from green to purple, while lobe number reflected high phenotypic plasticity. Storage roots exhibited diverse shapes, from elliptic to oblong, and variable pigmentation (orange to purple), indicative of carotenoid and anthocyanin accumulation. Environmental conditions, particularly excessive soil moisture, influenced trait expression by reducing pigmentation intensity and inducing structural deformities such as grooves and constrictions. Phenotypic diversity analysis using the Shannon Diversity Index revealed high variability in vine pubescence and skin pigmentation (H′ ≥ 0.67) but limited diversity in mature leaf color and flesh pigmentation (H′ ≤ 0.33). Cluster analysis (UPGMA) grouped the genotypes into 10 clusters, reflecting both genetic variation and environmental effects. Complementary molecular characterization using 54 SSR primers, of which 33 were polymorphic, confirmed substantial allelic diversity. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.909, demonstrating strong discriminatory power. SSR-based clustering grouped 156 genotypes into 12 clusters at a Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.89, providing higher resolution than morphological analysis and delineating regional populations and hybrid groups. The integration of phenotypic and molecular data highlights the extensive diversity within Philippine sweetpotato germplasm. While morphological traits were environmentally influenced, SSR markers effectively resolved genetic relationships and population structure. This combined framework provided a robust basis for germplasm management and utilization. The findings underscored the importance of conserving diverse alleles and exploiting them for breeding programs focused on pigmentation, root quality, stress resilience, and yield improvement, thereby supporting sustainable sweet potato production in the Philippines.
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